14 October 2014 · Planning Committee
North Lodge, Cronkbourne, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 4qh
The proposal was for retrospective permission to retain a boundary fence between North Lodge and a footpath adjacent to 14 Hollin Lane in the Tromode Woods estate. The fence is 40.2m long, up to 2m high (stepping down to 1m near Ballafletcher Road), constructed of solid coated steel panels in dark green with cream trel…
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The officer recommended approval, finding the reduced 40.2m length (vs 139m previously) made it substantially different from prior refusals, with no significant harm to the open woodland character of …
General Policy 2
Requires development to respect site and surroundings in terms of siting, layout, scale, form, design and not adversely affect character of surrounding landscape or townscape (part b and c). Officer found reduced length and location acceptable, not significantly harming open estate character or North Lodge setting, but Committee deemed design, materials and colour an incongruous feature detrimental to visual appearance, failing part b.
Environment Policy 3
Prohibits unacceptable loss or damage to woodland of public amenity or conservation value. No tree removal proposed, though lopping noted; officer found no adverse impact on woodland.
do not oppose
no objections
The original application 14/01023/B for erection of a boundary fence between North Lodge and 14 Hollin Lane (retrospective) was refused by the Planning Committee on 14th October 2014 due to its design, materials and colour being an unattractive and incongruous feature detrimental to the visual appearance of the area, contrary to General Policy 2 part b) of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan. The appellant argued the fence's suitability for the historic Baillie Scott-designed house, its awards, security benefits, and support from the Victorian Society, criticising the Committee's subjective judgement and procedural issues. The Council and objectors from Tromode Woods estate contended it was out of character with timber fencing, vivid in colour, solid, and inappropriate for the rural/residential locality. The inspector disagreed with the refusal reason, finding the amended fence appropriate for the Arts and Crafts style with ornamental metalwork and trellis, mellowing over time, and causing minimal impact on 14 Hollin Lane or locality character, thus compliant with GP2. The Minister accepted the recommendation on 12 March 2015, allowing the appeal subject to a condition requiring implementation of amendments within 6 months.
Precedent Value
This appeal demonstrates that specialist historic architectural evidence can overturn refusals based on visual incongruity for boundary treatments near listed-style buildings. Future applicants should propose site-specific amendments and expert support to show policy compliance over subjective neighbour objections.
Inspector: Alan Langton DipTP CEng MRTPI MICE MCIHT
