Additional use of dwelling for tourism accommodation

Why Was This Approved?

• ✓Property lies within a Conservation Area in Castletown
• ✓No adverse impact on neighbouring residents' amenity identified
• ✓Compliance with Business Policy 13 of the Strategic Plan on tourist accommodation
• ✓Encouraging active use of the property rather than leaving it empty
• ✓Permission covers dual use — tourism and residential — as shown on approved plans
• ✓Use must commence within four years of the decision

The application sought permission to use an existing dwelling on Queen Street, Castletown as tourist accommodation in addition to its residential use. The property is a traditional house fronting Queen Street, sitting within a designated Conservation Area, though it has been altered over time with concrete roof tiles replacing original slates and a series of flat-roofed rear extensions including a long conservatory. The key planning issue was whether the tourist accommodation use would compromise the amenity of neighbouring residents. The officer concluded it would not, noting that bringing the property into active use rather than leaving it empty was to be encouraged, and that the proposal met the requirements of Business Policy 13 of the Strategic Plan. Permission was granted subject to two conditions: the use must commence within four years, and the permission covers use of the premises for either tourism or residential purposes as shown on the approved plans.

The officer found that using the property as tourist accommodation would not adversely affect the Conservation Area or neighbouring residents, satisfying Business Policy 13 of the Strategic Plan. Keeping the property in active use rather than leaving it empty was also a positive consideration. Two conditions were attached to ensure the use is taken up within four years and to tie the permission to the approved plans.

Policies Assessed (1)

Conditions (2)

1. 1

   Condition 1

   The use must be taken up within four years of the date of this notice in order for this approval to remain valid after that time.

2. 2

   Condition 2

   This permission relates to the use of the premises as shown in the plans received on 21st October, 2008 for either tourism or residential purposes.

Planning History (5)

Documents (15)