13 August 2025 · Planning Committee (presented by Principal Planner Chris Balmer)
Ballagorrey Methodist Chapel, Glen Mona, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM7 1ez
The proposal involves converting a disused 1866 chapel, a single-storey rendered building with a slate roof, into a dwelling by retaining the existing structure, adding a modest 9sqm single-storey side extension (1.8m wide x 5m deep) for additional space, and creating a new access onto the A2 road with parking and turn…
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The proposal complies with Housing Policy 11 as the chapel is redundant (unused for decades), structurally capable of renovation per structural report (solid stone walls, rebuildable roof), of archite…
Housing Policy 11
Permits conversion of rural buildings if redundant, structurally sound, of interest, suitable for dwelling with modest extension not harming character, compatible with neighbours, and serviceable. Officer assessed each criterion: redundancy established, structural report confirms viability, historic 1866 chapel warrants retention, 9sqm extension subordinate/matching, 50m+ to neighbours, services adjacent.
Environment Policy 1
Protects countryside outside settlements unless overriding need. Proposal reuses existing building without adverse countryside effects, improves derelict site, so complies.
Environment Policy 2
Protects High Landscape/Coastal Value areas unless no harm to character. Minor works visible from A2 but high quality, sympathetic; curtilage change not significant visually with boundary enhancements.
Transport Policy 4
Requires highways to accommodate development safely. New access/visibility splays approved by DOI, parking/turning compliant.
Transport Policy 7
Requires parking per standards. Two off-road spaces/turning provided, meets IOMSP standards.
General Policy 2
Permits development respecting site/surroundings, no adverse landscape/amenity/highway impacts. Proposal sits well, no neighbour harm, safe access, ecology enhancements.
Time limit
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
No further development without approval
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2025 (or any Order revoking and/or re-enacting that Order with or without modification) no extension, enlargement or other alteration of the dwelling, no garages or other free standing buildings (including garden sheds, fences, greenhouses or summerhouses) shall be erected within the curtilage of the dwelling, hereby approved, other than that expressly authorised by this approval, shall be carried out, without the prior written approval of the Department. Reason: To control development in the interests of the amenities of the surrounding area.
Fencing details
All fencing shown on drawing 20168-PL04 (north and south of building) shall be constructed of a 1.1m high post and wire fence and shall be installed prior to the occupation of the dwelling and retained thereafter. Reason: In the interest of visual amenity.
Surface water drainage scheme
No development shall commence until a details scheme showing how any surface water runoff from the new access/driveway will be prevented from accessing the public highway and shall be submitted in writing for approval by the Department and this approved scheme shall be completed prior to the occupation of the dwelling hereby approved and retained thereafter. Reason: Prevention of surface water onto the highway.
Landscaping implementation
All planting (shall be made up of native planting only), seeding or turfing comprised in the approved of landscaping details (drawing 20168-PL04) must be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the completion of the development or the occupation of the hereby approved dwelling, whichever is the sooner. Any trees or plants which within a period of five years from the completion of the development die, are removed, or become seriously damaged or diseased must be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species. Reason: To ensure the provision of an appropriate landscape setting to the development.
Tree protection
The tree protection plan as shown in drawing 20168-PL04 shall be installed prior to the commencement of any works on site and retained for the duration of the construction period. Reason: in the interest of tree protection and the visual amenities of the area.
Visibility splays
The visibility splay(s) identified on drawing 20168-PL04; shall be constructed in accordance with the approved plans and thereafter kept permanently clear of any obstruction exceeding 1050mm in height above adjoining carriageway level. Reason: In the interests of highway safety.
Access and parking completion
The dwelling hereby approved shall not be occupied until the means of vehicular access and parking and turning provisions have been constructed in accordance with the approved plans 20168-PL04, and shall thereafter be retained for access and parking purposes thereafter. Reason: In the interests of highway safety and to ensure adequate parking provisions.
Materials approval
No development shall commence until a schedule of materials and finishes and samples of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces, including roofs, have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. The development shall not be carried out unless in accordance with the approved details. Reason: In the interests of the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area.
No objection (DNO); access on 30mph road with suitable visibility, forward entry/exit possible; condition footway tarmac, S109 for dropped kerb.
No objection subject to condition; low bat/bird risk but require checks; content with native hedge/wildflower mitigation; lizard precautions advised.
Acceptable surface water solution (Acco drain to soakaway) following discussions.
DEFA Ecosystem Policy Team has no objection to the conversion of Ballagorrey Methodist Chapel into a dwelling subject to conditions requiring checks for bats, birds, and lizards prior to works and planting of native hedge post-construction.
Key concern: limited potential for occasional or transient use of the building by single numbers of bats under ridge tiles
DEFA Ecosystem Policy Team
Conditional No ObjectionNo objection subject to condition; Thorough checks for bats and birds must be made in and around the building prior tile removal and conversion. If bats or birds, or evidence of bats and birds, such as nesting material or piles of droppings, are discovered, all work must stop and advice be sought from the DEFA Ecosystem Policy Team on 01624 651577; Roosting bats and nesting birds are legally protected under the Wildlife Act 1990 and this includes protection from reckless action
Conditions requested: Thorough checks for bats and birds must be made in and around the building prior tile removal and conversion. If bats or birds, or evidence of bats and birds, such as nesting material or piles of droppings, are discovered, all work must stop and advice be sought from the DEFA Ecosystem Policy Team on 01624 651577; The native hedge to be planted in the first season following construction/occupation
