2 December 2022 · Delegated
Dreswick, Linden Avenue, Port St. Mary, Isle Of Man, IM9 5er
Permission was granted for a roof space conversion at Dreswick, Linden Avenue, Port St Mary, a detached dwelling on the west side of the junction with Linden Avenue and Queen's Road. The works involved installing five Velux windows and replacing an existing window to the rear of the property. The officer considered three main planning issues: the effect of the works on the house itself, the impact on the character and street scene of the surrounding area, and any effect on the amenities of neighbouring residents. The proposal was found acceptable on all three counts. The application was decided under delegated powers on 2 December 2022. A single condition requires that development begins within four years of the decision date.
The application was approved on 2 December 2022 under delegated powers. The officer assessed the proposal against its impact on the house itself, the character and street scene of the area, and the amenities of neighbouring residents, and found it acceptable on all counts. Development must begin within four years of the decision.
Strategic Policy 3
The Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 contains the following policies that are considered materially relevant
Strategic Policy 3: Proposals for development must ensure that the individual character of our towns and villages is protected or enhanced by: (a) avoiding coalescence and maintaining adequate physical separation between settlements; and (b) having regard in the design of new development to th e use of local materials and character. 4.3.4 Most of our built heritage, our countryside, our coastline and our natural environment is of attraction, value and interest. Surveys commissioned by Government on the quality of life and the importance of heritage in the Isle of Man and internationally, have consistently shown that the historic landscape setting of the Isle of Man scores as t he single most significant factor for residents and visitors in supporting the concept of a specific and positive Manx identity. This "heritage identity" is a result of the combination of a rich diversity of historic sites and monuments, historic building s and residential settlements and a specific range of natural history attributes set within a predominantly rural landscape setting which links modern life to a sense of historic legacy and beauty, the retention of which is strongly supported by Government and the resident community. 4.3.5 The landscapes of the Island are very varied, and their nature and variety is the consequence of thousands of years of interaction between the natural and cultural aspects of the Island through human activity within the enviro nment and an innate respect for the natural and historic qualities they represent. 4.3.6 This landscape heritage is more than simply the sum of its parts. The combination of geology, geomorphology, wildlife, archaeology, history, traditional buildings and the natural settings for traditional activities and customs, combine in the rural and built environment to provide an inseparable element of "Manxness". It provides an overarching context which makes the landscapes of the Isle of Man unique and gives them the value which is acknowledged by those who live here and those who visit. The protection and promotion of this element within Manx society is an important element in central Government policy and the Strategic Plan, which both support the view that these v alued characteristics of the Isle of Man be acknowledged and protected for the future from inappropriate development. 4.3.7 This protection will apply to areas of heritage value, to sites of heritage value and to general traditional landscape settings within the Island which are deemed to contribute to the sense of the Island's heritage identity. Heritage landscape value will therefore be a consideration in all aspects of planning, with a view to retaining and enhancing this value wherever possible.
General Policy 2 (b)
This application is considered to comply with General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan
Environment Policy 42
The Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 contains the following policies that are considered materially relevant
pment. 8.13.2 The extent of formal open space with in settlement boundaries in the South is identified on the Proposals Map (Map 3) and Inset Maps (Maps 4-7). The Isle of Man Strategic Plan (Environment Policy 42) seeks to protect these open spaces and indicates that: 8.13.3 "Inappropriate backland development, and the removal of open or green spaces which contribute to the visual amenity and sense of place of a partic ular area will not be permitted.''
Community Policy 7
The Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 contains the following policies that are considered materially relevant
Community Policy 7: The design of new development and the extension and refurbishment of existing buildings and development must, as far as is reasonably practical, pay due regard to existing best practice so as to help prevent criminal and anti-social behaviour. 10.12.2 The Isle of Man Constabulary has suggested that neighbourhood police stations, where the public can meet police officers, are needed to improve community safety. In the majority of cases these will need to be provided within existin g communities as opportunities arise. Consideration should be given to incorporating such facilities in larger new developments in association with other community facilities.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
