22 June 2016 · Planning Committee
Ballavilley, Dhoor, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM7 4ed
The proposal involved building a detached triple garage measuring 12m long, 8m deep, and 5.5m high to ridge, with 46sqm storage above, located along the eastern boundary of the residential curtilage of Ballavilley, a recently built traditional-style dwelling accessed via a lane off Andreas Road.
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The site is in open countryside protected for its own sake under Environment Policy 1, where development is restricted unless falling within specific exceptions listed in General Policy 3, none of whi…
Environment Policy 1
Requires protection of countryside (land outside settlements or not designated for development) for its own sake, permitting development only if overriding national need outweighs protection and no alternative exists. Officer assessed the garage as not falling within exceptions, adversely affecting countryside due to scale, height, and replacement of landscaping, failing the policy as unwarranted development.
General Policy 3
Prohibits development outside zoned areas except for specific exceptions (e.g. agricultural housing, redundant building conversions, previously developed land improvements). Proposal does not qualify under any exception; officer concluded it represents inappropriate countryside development undermining rural character.
do not oppose
do not oppose
Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Highways Division issued a 'Do Not Oppose' (DNO) response to the application with no conditions requested.
Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Highways Division
No ObjectionDo not oppose; DNO; Highways input deferred pending further information/input
The original application (16/00131/B) for a detached triple garage with storage was refused due to overbearing impact on neighbour Bolivia Beg and adverse effect on countryside character contrary to policies. Appellants argued functional need, minimal visual impact due to screening, no neighbour objections, and precedents of similar approvals. The inspector found no material harm to countryside character in the hamlet context with landscaping, and no unacceptable impact on neighbour amenity with conditions for planting and no rear windows. Both refusal reasons were addressed positively, leading to the appeal being upheld with conditions. The Minister accepted the recommendation and approved on 29 September 2016.
Precedent Value
This appeal demonstrates that domestic outbuildings like garages can be approved in rural hamlets outside development zones if visual impacts are minimal with landscaping and no neighbour harm, even without fitting policy exceptions; future applicants should prioritise site photos, precedents, and conditional mitigations.
Inspector: Ruth V MacKenzie BA(Hons) MRTPI
