5 March 2026 · Delegated
Douglas Castle, Fort Anne Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM1 5bn
Permission was granted for roofing works at Douglas Castle (formerly Harold Tower) on Fort Anne Road, Douglas. The works involve replacing the existing slate roof with a new slate roof and air permeable underlay, along with new lead hips, ridges, box gutters, and valley gutters. The building is a protected structure entered on the Isle of Man Protected Buildings Register at RB 179. It is described as a mid-19th century villa, possibly originally a folly, built in a Romantic Gothic style with crenelated towers. The application was linked to an associated consent application (PA25/01223/CON) for the same works. The application was approved by the Interim Director of Planning and Building Control under delegated authority, with one condition attached.
The application was approved by delegated decision on 5 March 2026. The proposal involved like-for-like replacement of the existing slate roof and associated lead work on a protected building, which was considered acceptable.
Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest will not be permitted
Environment Policy 32: Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest will not be permitted. 7.27 Change of Use of Registered Buildings 7.27.1The best use for a Registered Building is usually the use for which the building was designed. However, it is recognised that it is often necessary to look for a new use to secure the economic future of the b uilding. It is important therefore that any new use is appropriate and that physical alterations are sensitive to its character. (1) Curtilage is defined in Appendix 1
In the maintenance, alteration or extension of pre-1920 buildings, the use of traditional materials will be preferred
Environment Policy 34: In the maintenance, alteration or extension of pre -1920 buildings, the use of traditional materials will be preferred. 7.29 Development within Conservation Areas 7.29.1 Conservation Areas are designated where the Department is satisfied that there is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Accordingly, the Department will; i. appraise and review existing Conservation Areas; and ii. designate new Conservation Areas where Conservation Area appraisals have revealed individual areas to be worthy of such status. 7.29.2 Development proposals within Conservation Areas will be expected either to preserve or enhance their character or appearanc e. Development proposals should be in accordance with the Department's conservation policies set out in Planning Policy Statement 1/01, "Policy and Guidance Notes for the Conservation of the Historic Environment of the Isle of Man." There is generally gra nt assistance available to help in the use of appropriate materials and positive and appropriate development within Conservation Areas.
Policy and Guidance Notes for the Conservation of the Historic Environment of the Isle of Man
Planning Policy Statements: 1/01
POLICY RB/3 General criteria applied in considering registered building applications The issues that are generally relevant to the consideration of all registered building applications are:- • The importance of the building, its intrinsic architectural and historic interest and rarity, relative to the Island as a whole and within the local context; • The particular physical features of the building (which may include its design, plan, materials or location) which justify its inclusion in the register; descriptions annexed to the entry in the register may draw attention to features of particular interest or value, but they are not exhaustive and other features of importance, (e.g. Interiors, murals, hidden fireplaces) may come to light after the building's entry in the register; • The building's setting and its contribution to the local scene, which may be very important, e.g. Where it forms an element in a group, park, garden or other townscape or landscape, or where it shares particular architectural forms or details with other buildings nearby (including other registered buildings).
USE
Planning Policy Statements: 1/01
POLICY RB/4 USE In considering a proposal for change of use of a registered building, the principal aim should be to identify the optimum viable use that is compatible with the fabric, interior and setting of the building, all of which affect its special character as a building of merit. An applicant will have to illustrate that the effect of any proposed changes upon the architectural and historic interest of the building will be minimised.
ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS
Planning Policy Statements: 1/01
POLICY RB/5 ALTERATIONS AND EXTENSIONS In considering whether to grant planning approval for development which affects a registered building or its setting and in considering whether to grant registered building consent for any works, the Department shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. Registered building consent is required for the building's alteration in any way which would affect its special architectural or historic character. There will be a general presumption against alteration or extension of registered buildings, except where a convincing case can be made, against the criteria set out in this section, for such proposals. Applicants for registered building consent for alteration or extension to a registered building must be able to justify their proposals. They will be required to show why the works which would affect the character of the registered building are desirable or necessary and they should provide full information to enable the Department to assess the likely impact of their proposals on the special architectural or historic interest of the building and on its setting. Where registered buildings are the subject of successive applications for alteration or extension, consideration will also be given to the cumulative affect upon the building's special interest as a result of several minor works which may individually seem of little consequence.
Condition 1
1) The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
Demolition of existing pantry extension and the erection of a new tower and extension to create additional living accommodation (in association with 21/00246/CON)
Registered Building consent for the demolition of existing pantry extension and the erection of a new tower and extension to create additional living accommodation (in association with 21/00245/GB) Registered Building Nos. 179
Registered Building consent for alterations and extension to roof to create observatory room (in association with PA 20/00466/GB) Registered Building Nos. 179
Alterations and extension to roof to create observatory room (in association with PA 20/00467/CON)
Erection of a detached dwelling and garden store
Erection of a detached dwelling and garden store (comprising amendments to PA 08/00660B)
Erection of a replacement sun lounge (comprising amendments to 08/01678/GB) (In association with 09/01853/CON)
Erection of a replacement sun lounge (comprising amendments to 08/01679/CON) (RB no 179 in association with 09/01852GB)
Construction of a swimming pool structure enclosing existing external pool and erection of a replacement sun lounge (In association with 08/01679CON)
Registered Building Consent for the construction of a swimming pool structure enclosing existing external pool and erection of a replacement sun lounge (Registered Building no 179 in association with 08/01678GB)
Construction of a replacement firefighting pump house and pipeline
Erection of a conservatory to rear elevation