207762

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Planning Statement

For: Proposed rebuilding of partially collapsed rural building At: Land adjacent Peace House, Lhoobs Road, Foxdale, Isle of Man, IM4 3JA 1.0 Site Description and Existing Conditions 1.1 The site is situated on Lhoobs Road in Foxdale and currently comprises a rural building surrounded by some hardstanding, field 334289, 334291 and the nature reserve area that extends to the Kionslieu reservoir. All of this is under one ownership as outlined on the location plan. It extends to approximately 12 acres. 1.2 Peace House, the residential dwelling on the opposite side of Lhoobs Rd is under the same ownership. 1.3 The site is approximately 800m along Lhoobs Rd from the Eastern junction with the A24 Foxdale Road. 1.4 The exact existing building age is unknown but is over 19 years. The front part is a masonry built pitched roof structure with traditional stables doors and a cantilevered roof that creates a covered entrance area. The roof is slated and walls finished with slate and render. 1.5 The rear part is a portal frame with corrugated sheet finish to both walls and roof. 1.6 Due to storms in 2024 and 2025 (November 2024, December 2024, January 2025), the rear part of the building suffered significant damage. The rear segment collapsed whilst the middle part had some roof and wall sheets come away. Some of these sheets had to be fully removed at the time of the storm for health and safety reasons and eliminate potential injury to person/s. 1.7 From research, it looks as though the rear part of said building never had formal planning permission. That being said, the building in question is easily over 19 years old as can be seen in the photograph’s to the rear of this document and the historical Google Earth map. 1.8 This 19 year timeline surpasses the 4 years and 10 year times outlined within the DEFA Operational Policy on Planning Enforcement and is deemed immune from any action. 1.9 The building is approximately 28 metres West off the Lhoobs Rd. The topography of the site means the building approximately 2.1 metres below the level of the Lhoobs Rd can barely be seen from the Highway.

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3.0 Proposal 3.1 The proposed development involves the repair and rebuilding of the storm damaged part of the building like for like. 3.2 The building would be finished off in the same green box profile sheeting to both walls and roof. There will be no aesthetic changes to the original. 3.3 The structure would be the same size as it was originally and also height wise. 3.4 The middle part will be repaired with the original sheets that came off during the storm as they are usable and can be reinstated. 3.5 Rainwater runoff would be as it was originally which runs off into the adjacent drainage ditch running within the site. 3.6 The Agent and applicant wish to express their interest in engaging with the Planning Department throughout this application to ensure any concerns, queries raised or changes deemed appropriate to the application are dealt with. 3.7 The storms in question also significantly impacted multiple trees upon the immediate site with several coming down. It is proposed to undertake tree replanting in due course to mitigate the collapsing of said trees. The new trees will be native species to the Isle of Man. Whilst not required, it is proposed to liaise with the Forestry Department to confirm the best species for the new trees to ensure maximum site benefit. 4.0 Conclusion 4.1 The collapsing and damage of part of the building was an unfortunate event out of everyone’s control and an ‘Act of God’. 4.2 It is felt that the proposal does not give rise to practical planning harm and should be looked upon favourably. Photograph’s Below are photographs showing the building in question back in 2010 showing its existence and in 2023 when it was purchased.

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Google image showing building back in 2010 from Lhoob’s Rd.

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Google image showing building back in 2010 from Lhoob’s Rd.

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Google image showing building back in 2010 from Lhoob’s Rd

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Google image showing front of building back in 2010 from Lhoob’s Rd

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Google Earth Historical Image from 2006 showing the building in question.

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View to site from East Lhoob’s Rd. Building in question not visible