Comment 1 5 Ballamurphie

Planning and Building Control Directorate Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2SF

2 April 2026

Dear Sir/Madam

Application 26/00134/CON – St Runius Church, Garth Road, Crosby IM4 2AU

I have attempted to submit my comments on the application referred to above by email, but due to a technical problem I am not certain that the email will have been received. Accordingly I am writing but for the avoidance of doubt I am happy for my comments to be made public and added to the online comments on the application.

May I write as a member of Marown PCC and as one concerned at the proposal to install gutters and drainpipes at Old St Runius. I regret that the PCC has not had the opportunity to meet with you or allied conservation authorities to discuss the matter.

The recent architectural survey of the Isle of Man, part of the Pevsner series of architectural guides to the British Isles, is fulsome in its praise for the church: ‘This is the best example of what parish churches in the Island looked like before the Manx Baroque remodeling of the 18th century, and one in which the precious patina of the untouched country church has been preserved’.

The problem is the damp at the foot of the north and west-facing walls. This is down to the fact that the ground level has risen significantly over the long period of time. Perhaps you and others responsible can consider a possible alternative solution in preference to the anachronistic imposition of gutters and drainpipes, quite out of character.

An answer may be to reduce the ground level flanking the walls by 20 cm (or a little more?), with an outward reach from the foot of the walls of at least a metre and a half. We then let things rest for a trial period of a year or two to judge if the dampness has effectively reduced or its own accord. The operation would naturally need to be professionally supervised to ensure that the stonework is not disturbed or hurt. I would urge that the applicant consider this option and suggest that the application be put on hold for the present.

I am copying this to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, and Manx National Heritage for further consideration. For the sake of completeness I am also copying in the Rev Canon [redacted] with whom I have met to raise my concern.

Yours sincerely

c.c. Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches Manx National Heritage Rev Canon [redacted]