3 December 2025 · Delegated
Timberwoods, Main Road, Glen Vine, Isle Of Man, IM4 4ba
The application sought permission to use existing space within a rear extension at Timberwoods, Glen Vine, as tourist accommodation (Class 3.6), alongside the continuing residential use of the property. No physical alterations to the building were proposed. The site is a detached dwellinghouse with a large driveway capable of accommodating at least four vehicles. The main planning issue was whether the change of use would harm the living conditions of neighbouring residents. Officers concluded it would not: the unit is modest, comfortably sleeping only two people, and the level of noise and vehicle movements expected would be no greater than from ordinary residential use. The extension sits some distance from the southern boundary and adjoins only the garage of the property to the north, so overlooking is minimal.
The proposal was approved because it makes use of existing space within a dwelling without physical change, causes no meaningful harm to neighbouring amenity, and adds to the Island's stock of tourist accommodation in line with the Visitor Economic Strategy 2022–2032 and the relevant policies of the Development Plan.
Strategic Policy 1
Development should make the best use of resources, including by optimising the use of under-used buildings
Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1
General Policy 2
General Policy 2: Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development: (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea; (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; (j) can be provided with all necessary services; (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; (l) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption. 6.3 Development outside of areas zoned for development
Business Policy 13
Permission will generally be given for the use of private residential properties as tourist accommodation providing that it can be demonstrated that such use would not compromise the amenities of neighbouring residents
Business Policy 13: Permission will generally be given for the use of private residential properties as tourist accommodation providing that it can be demonstrated that such u se would not compromise the amenities of neighbouring residents.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The development hereby approved is limited to the extension shown on Drawing No D003 and it shall not be used or occupied other than for the purpose of short-let holiday accommodation and shall not be used as a separate dwelling. The accommodation hereby approved shall not be occupied by the same person(s) for a single period or cumulative periods exceeding 28 days in any calendar year.
