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 former school hall, last regularly used pre-1960 with minimal recent community lettings, into a single residential dwelling. Physical works are limited to re-working the existing WC into a shower/toilet and minor kitchen alterations in areas without historic detailing.
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The officer noted the building's minimal recent use (pre-1960 as school, occasional lettings like Women's Institute that could relocate), justifying residential change of use.
Strategic Policy 4
Requires proposals to protect or enhance Registered Buildings and Conservation Areas. Officer assessed the minor internal works as protecting the fabric and setting of RB 181.
General Policy 2
Requires development to respect site/surroundings, not adversely affect character, provide amenity standards and safe access. Alterations respect character; existing access satisfactory; sufficient internal amenities.
Environment Policy 32
Prohibits alterations detrimental to Registered Building character. WC/kitchen areas lack historic detailing, so alterations non-detrimental.
Environment Policy 34
Prefers traditional materials for pre-1920 buildings. No external/material changes proposed; internal works minor.
Environment Policy 35
Requires development in Conservation Areas to preserve/enhance character. Proposal respects St Marks Conservation Area.
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 30th September 2013; and External and Internal Photographs Drawing Number 13/2405/02 date stamped 30th July 2013.
The Planning Authority granted Registered Building Consent (13/00909/CON) for change of use of the former School Hall to residential, associated with planning application 13/00908/GB. Malew Parish Commissioners and local residents appealed, arguing loss of community facility, non-compliance with IoMSP Community Policy 3 and Housing Policy 11, and highway safety/drainage concerns. The independent inspector, after public inquiry and site visit, found the hall no longer practical as a community facility due to maintenance costs and low income, residential use beneficial for the Registered Building's preservation, and no highway safety harm. The Minister accepted the inspector's recommendation to dismiss the appeal and confirm the approval with conditions.
Precedent Value
Demonstrates that for Registered Buildings in conservation areas, financial viability trumps community desire under RB/4 if residential use secures preservation; applicants must show clear reinvestment plans and alternatives to satisfy CP3; third party appeals challenging approvals face high bar on practicality evidence.
Inspector: Ruth V MacKenzie BA(Hons) MRTPT
