17 July 2018 · Planning Committee
4, Switzerland Terrace, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 4nq
The proposal involved rendering the front of 4 Switzerland Terrace, a two-storey mid-terraced Victorian property with original red and yellow polychromatic brickwork, to address water ingress issues identified by a surveyor.
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The officer determined that rendering the front elevation would result in the permanent loss of decorative brickwork and horizontal brick detailing below first floor window cill level, which defines t…
Environment Policy 35
Requires development in Conservation Areas to preserve or enhance character and appearance, protecting special features. Officer found rendering causes loss of decorative brickwork, failing to preserve or enhance the Promenade Conservation Area or terrace character. This was the primary test, tipping the balance to refusal.
Environment Policy 34
States preference for traditional materials in maintenance/alteration of pre-1920 buildings. Referenced but not directly applied; focus was on ENV35.
Environmental Policy 39
Presumption in favour of retaining buildings contributing positively to Conservation Area character. Property's original brickwork noted as such contribution, but not explicitly tested.
Planning Policy Statement 1/01 - Policy CA/2 (Conservation Areas)
Requires consideration of impact on Conservation Area character, including settings. Applied to assess harm from loss of original detailing visible from Switzerland Road.
do not oppose
proposal is for maintenance purposes... set back from the highway... does not oppose the application
Douglas Corporation and DOI Highways Division have no objections to the rendering proposal at 4 Switzerland Terrace, while IOM Victorian Society objects due to harm to the original polychrome brickwork in this historic terrace.
Key concern: Loss of rare original polychrome brickwork and harm to uniformity of historic terrace
Douglas Corporation
No ObjectionDouglas Borough Council has no objections to the listed applications.
IOM Victorian Society
ObjectionThere are now just two properties in the terrace that still have their original poly-chrome brickwork finish. The two adjoin and share a pattern of yellow brickwork on the party boundary.; We note and support the Case Officer's comments in respect of work carried out in a Conservation Area having to enhance it.; We would have expected a written report by a professional outlining the alternative methods of treatment and coming to a conclusion, to be submitted with the application.
Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Highways Division
No ObjectionThe proposal is for maintenance purposes for the dwelling, which is set back from the highway, and therefore should not create any new highway issues.; Highway Services does not oppose the application.
The original application to render the front elevation of No 4 Switzerland Terrace, a mid-terrace Victorian house with decorative polychrome brickwork, was refused due to harm to the character of the Conservation Area. The appellant argued the brickwork was severely degraded causing damp issues, rendering was the most cost-effective solution, and neighbours had already altered theirs. The Council defended refusal citing Environment Policies 34, 35, and 39 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016, emphasising loss of traditional brick features. The inspector found the wall was in poor condition, alternatives too expensive relative to property value, and rendering had smartened the terrace without significant harm. The appeal was allowed by the Minister on 12 December 2018, with retrospective approval subject to one condition.
Precedent Value
This appeal shows that in Conservation Areas, severe dilapidation and disproportionate repair costs can override policies protecting traditional features, especially for modest properties. Applicants should provide robust costed evidence of alternatives and demonstrate net visual improvement.
Inspector: Michael Hurley
