11 March 2026 · Delegated
Corlea Farm, Corlea Road, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 3ba
The application proposes alterations to a traditional two-storey Manx Stone dwellinghouse at Corlea Farm, Ballasalla, including roof alterations, roof lights, stone cladding and render bands to the north wing, and changes to external doors and windows on the west and north elevations. The property is set back approximately 80 metres from Corlea Road and sits at a lower level than the highway. The key considerations were the visual impact of the proposed cladding and external works on the existing building and wider countryside, and whether the works would integrate appropriately within the countryside setting. The application was approved by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture on 11 March 2026, subject to three conditions.
The application was approved because the proposed cladding and external works were considered acceptable in terms of visual impact and integration with the countryside setting. The stone cladding and render bands, combined with the other alterations, were assessed as fitting appropriately within the rural landscape context of the property.
The extension or alteration of existing traditionally styled properties in the countryside will normally only be approved where these respect the proportion, form and appearance of the existing property.
proposal would fit within the overall aims of Housing Policy 15
Housing Policy 15: The extension or alteration of existing traditionally styled properties in the countryside will normally only be approved where these respect the proportion, form and appearance of the existing property. Only exceptionally will permission be granted for extensions which measure more than 50% of the existing building in terms of floor space (measured externally).
general development control standards in connection with the Residential Design Guidance
would be in line with 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
guidance on the design of residential development in the countryside
The extension of non-traditional dwellings or those of poor or inappropriate form will not generally be permitted where this would increase the impact of the building as viewed by the public.
Housing Policy 16: The extension of non -traditional dwellings or those of poor or inappropriate form will not generally be permitted where this would increase the impact of the building as viewed by the public. 8.13 Conversion of Buildings to Flats 8.13.1 There are in the Island, and particularly in Douglas, many substantial buildings which, because of their size or form, are no longer suitable for the originally intended use as either single dwellings or holiday accommodation, but which are still structur ally sound. The Department has for many years encouraged the conversion of such buildings, where appropriate, into flats. 8.13.2 The size, layout, occupancy, etc., of flats are controlled by the Housing (Flats) Regulations 1982. However, all flats should also have a good external environment, characterised by - (a) a pleasant, clear outlook, particularly from the principal room(s) of the flat and (b) access to external space for the purpose of clothes-drying, refuse storage, car-parking, and general amenity. 8.13.3 Many buildings which are generally suitable for conversion into flats not only have very little space around them, but also have an annex or "outlet" at the rear. The Department may require the demolition, in total or in part, of such "outlets" even where the immediate use of the cleared space may not be possible, for example where more than one rear annex may be needed to be removed to gain access or highway work such as road widening may be required to make the cleared space useful. Such demolition will: (a) remove accommodation which has a poor environment and limited outlook; (b) permit the creation of parking space; and (c) assist in admitting light and air to the rear of the building proper. Where such demolition is not so required, the accommodation must generally be organised so that every flat has an outlook from the front of the building, and so that no flat is contained entirely within an "outlet". Exception may be made to this general approach where the environment at, and the outlook from, the rear are pleasant and open.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Notwithstanding the details provided, no permission is given for the separation of the property as a whole.
Condition 3
For the avoidance of doubt the proposed stone cladding as shown on drawing no. 25/15/04 hereby approved must match the existing cladding on the dwelling and retained as such thereafter.
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relevant to the assessment of the application
Enlargement of horse riding arena and change of use of fields 435361 and 435344 from agricultural to equestrian
deemed relevant
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Conversion of existing farm buildings into 2 tourist accommodation units
deemed relevant
Conversion of redundant farm buildings into 3 Tourist Accommodation Units
deemed relevant
replacement dwelling