6 February 2026 · Delegated
Rest & Be Thankful, Slieu Lewaigue, Lewaigue, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM7 1bh
Permission was granted for the construction of a new first floor sun room with a roof lantern over an existing garden room at Rest And Be Thankful, a grand detached house on the A2 Coast Road to the south of Port Lewaigue in Lezayre parish. The property was formerly a hotel and is now a private residence, with previous extensions to the rear already permitted. The main planning considerations were whether the development was appropriate in a countryside setting, taking into account its scale and visual effect on the house and the surrounding area, and whether it would have any adverse impact on a small watercourse and trees within the sloping garden adjacent to the property. The application was approved by delegated decision, with three conditions attached.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 6 February 2026. The key planning questions were whether the development was acceptable in the countryside given its scale and effect on the character of the house and wider area, and whether it would affect the nearby watercourse and trees. The proposal was found to be acceptable on both counts.
General Policy 3
sets out the circumstances in which development might be appropriate in the countryside.
General Policy 3: Development will not be permitted outside of those areas which are zoned for development on the appropriate Area Plan with the exception of: (a) essential housing for agricultural workers who have to live close to their place of work; (Housing Policies 7, 8, 9 and 10); (b) conversion of redundant rural buildings which are of architectural, historic, or social value and interest; (Housing Policy 11); (c) previously developed land (1) which contains a significant amount of building; where the continued use is redundant; where redevelopment would reduce the impact of the current situation on the landscape or the wider environment; and where the development proposed would result in improvements to the landscape or wider environment; (d) the replacement of existing rural dwellings; (Housing Policies 12, 13 and 14); (e) location-dependent development in connection with the working of minerals or the provision of necessary services; (f) building and engineering operations which are essential for the conduct of agriculture or forestry; (g) development recognised to be of overriding national need in land use planning terms and for which there is no reasonable and acceptable alternative; and (h) buildings or works required for interpretation of the countryside, its wildlife or heritage. 6.4 Planning Agreements 6.4.1 Where development is acceptable and in accordance with the provisions of this Plan and the relevant Area Plan, but raises issues which cannot be addressed by the imposition of planning conditions, the Department will seek to conclude an Agreement with the developer under Section 13 of the 1999 Town and Country Planning Act.
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 materials to be used in the construction and finishing of the development hereby approved shall be as described on the approved plans unless alternatives are first submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.
Condition 3
During the construction of the development hereby approved all machinery, building materials and refuse shall be stored only within or upon the existing paved areas surrounding the property and not within or upon the grassed areas close to the watercourse or trees within the rear garden.
First floor extension over existing roof terrace.
The approved scheme was in the same position and the same size as the extension now proposed but was of a primarily glazed design. It has not been constructed.
Erection of single and two storey extension to rear to provide conservatory, kitchen, dining room with bedroom, en-suite and roof terrace above, and erection of a detached garage with attached workshop.
