29 October 2013 · Planning Committee
School Room, Access To School House And St Marks School From St Marks Road, St Marks, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 3ah
The proposal involves converting a disused single-storey former school hall, which is a Registered Building adjoining the former School House (now private dwelling), into a residential dwelling without structural alterations at this stage.
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The officer assessed the principle of changing a former school hall (infrequently used by church 4 times last year and short weekly lettings to non-church groups) to residential, finding retention as …
Environment Policy 1
Protects countryside (site in 'Open Countryside') from developments adversely affecting it unless overriding national need and no alternative. Officer noted site context but focused assessment on other policies as change of use does not adversely affect countryside character.
Community Policy 3
Permits loss of community facility if no longer practical/desirable to retain or replace with community-benefiting use. Officer found infrequent use (not covering upkeep costs) and alternatives (Methodist Chapel, church) make retention impractical.
Housing Policy 11
Permits rural building conversions if redundant, structurally sound, of interest, suitable size, compatible uses/services, retaining original appearance/materials. Though pure change of use (no works), relevant parts met: redundant, intact, historic (Registered Building), large enough, compatible with neighbour; external unchanged, internals deferred to future consent.
Time limit
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Approved plans
This approval relates to the following information: 1:100, 1:1250 1:500 Existing and Proposed Plans, Site and Locations Drawing Number 13/2405/01 date stamped 25th September 2013; and External and Internal Photographs Drawing Number 13/2405/02 date stamped 30th July 2013.
Site within 30mph on secondary route; visibility splays required; one off-street parking preferable onto B30
The original application for change of use of the former School Hall in St Mark's Village Conservation Area from community use to residential was approved by the Planning Authority on 28 October 2013. Malew Parish Commissioners appealed as third-party objectors, arguing loss of community facility, non-compliance with policies, and highway/drainage concerns. The inspector, following a public inquiry on 22 January 2014 and site visit, assessed three main issues: loss of community facility, character/appearance impacts, and highway safety. The inspector found the hall no longer practical as a community facility due to maintenance costs, beneficial for character/appearance, and acceptable for highway safety, recommending dismissal. The Minister accepted this on 18 February 2014, confirming approval with conditions.
Precedent Value
Demonstrates that viability evidence trumps community desire under CP3 for unmaintained facilities; prioritises sustainable use for Registered Buildings in conservation areas over historic community use.
Inspector: Ruth V MacKenzie BA(Hons) MRTPI
