10 June 2014 · Minister for Infrastructure, the Hon P A Gawne MHK
Pineview, Sulby Glen, Sulby, Isle Of Man, IM7 2az
The proposal was for private equestrian stables in the back garden of a detached house in a small group of dwellings near Sulby Primary School, in an area of High Landscape or Coastal Value. The structure would include four loose boxes, hay store, and tack room, clad in timber with a black Onduline roof.
Click a button above to find applications similar to this one.
See how this application compares to similar ones — policies, conditions, and outcomes side by side.
The officer's report recommended refusal because the stables would appear cramped and intrusive when viewed from the rear lane serving adjacent dwellings, due to their size (11m x 10m) relative to the…
The original application 14/00479/B for erection of a timber stables block was refused on 10 June 2014 due to visual intrusion, cramped appearance, and unacceptable noise/odour impacts on neighbours contrary to Environment Policies 1, 19, 21 and 22 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007. The appellant argued the structure was appropriately sized, not cramped, screened by planting, and that horse-related noise/odours were minimal, supported by lack of neighbour objections and EHO views. The inspector found the design thoughtful with L-shaped plan fragmenting mass, minimal visibility from public views, sufficient separation from neighbours for amenities with proper management, and no road safety issues. The appeal was allowed by the Minister on 22 October 2014, reversing the refusal subject to conditions including time limit, approved drawings, planting scheme, and ancillary use tied to the dwelling.
Precedent Value
This appeal demonstrates that domestic stables in gardens can succeed on appeal with thoughtful design minimising visual mass, evidence of no neighbour harm, and conditions tying use to the dwelling. Future applicants should prioritise management plans, consultee support, and inspector-preferred layouts over rigid separation distances.
Inspector: Alan Langton
