Planning Report 10/00414/B

Application No.: 10/00414/B Applicant: Mr David Paul Thompson Proposal: Erection of a shed Site Address: School Masters Cottage St Marks Ballasalla Isle Of Man IM9 3AH ### Considerations Case Officer : Miss S E Corlett Expected Decision Level: 15.04.2010 Senior Planning Officer ### Written Representations ### Consultations Consultee : Highways Division Notes : Consultee : Malew Parish Commissioners Notes: Do not object

Officer's Report

The Site

The site represents the curtilage of an existing semi-detached dwelling situated to the north of St. Mark's Church within the hamlet of St. Mark's. The property sits on the eastern side of the B30 Bayrauyr just to the south of the footpath (part of the Millennium Way) leading past Glebe Farm towards the Old Parsonage.

The property has the other half of the semi immediately to the south and to the north is an open field. The curtilage of neither dwelling extends as far as the A26 Ballasalla/Tosaby Road. The dwellings have small front gardens and rear yards in which there are outbuildings.

Planning Status

The site lies within the St. Mark's Conservation Area and within a wider area which is not designated for development on the Town and Country Planning (Development Plan) Order 1982. The building is also Registered (RB 181). On the draft Southern Area Plan which was published on 23rd October, 2009 the wider countryside surrounding St. Mark's is identified as Incised Slopes where the following is provided in the draft Written Statement: "Landscape Character Area 2 - Ballamodha, Earystane, and St Mark's:

This is a fairly resilient landscape which has accommodated incursions of modern built development without severe detriment. However, some of the larger-scale residential developments lack either the topographical setting or the groups of trees which might have mitigated their visual impact.

Environment Policy 4: Extensions of, or additions to, existing residential developments should be so designed, and so landscaped, as to mitigate the landscape impact of both the existing and the proposed development."

Also, Appendix 4 deals with groups of houses in the countryside and says, in respect of St. Mark's: "(e) St Mark's:

• (i) Description: St Mark's is a designated Conservation Area, which includes some of the surrounding countryside. The buildings include the church, a chapel, the former school rooms, and a number of dwellings clustered around the village green. The spaces between the buildings contribute positively to the character of the settlement, helping to integrate it with its immediate rural environment. The undeniable sense of place arises not only from the disposition of the buildings and spaces, but also from the location at the meeting of several rural roads.
• (ii) Assessment: The Character Appraisal statement for the Conservation Area indicates that "Whilst new development might not be ruled out, detailed and careful assessment of any proposed development would be required relative to the potential impact on the special character and historic interest of the settlement and its existing balance". The statement also identifies the derelict smithy as having potential for conversion to residential use. Having regard to these indications, and to the comparatively large agricultural hinterland in which St Mark's sits, the principle of a small number of suitably sited and designed new dwellings being added to the village could meet any local housing need without affecting adversely the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. However, the Department's Conservation team will need to undertake a full site analysis before firm conclusions can be reached."

Planning History

The following planning applications have been submitted in respect of this site: PA 02/0996 - removal of small lean-to extension and erection of larger replacement extension permitted PA 02/1851 - removal of lean-to extension and erection of two large extensions to hall and house permitted PA 04/0853 - amendment to approved alterations to house and creation of vehicular access - refused on appeal

The Proposal

Proposed now is the erection of a garden shed in the rear garden. The shed would be 2.1 m high and 2 m by 2 m in area of simple timber construction with a felt roof. This would ordinarily be allowed under the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order 2005. However the property lies within a Conservation Area and as such this is not applicable in this case.

Representations

Malew Parish Commissioners indicate that the shed should be painted or stained a dark colour.

Assessment

The site is visible from the St. Mark's Road but there is a solid wall between the proposed shed and the viewer so the shed will have little, if any impact from this viewpoint and being a modest, temporary structure, the shed will not have a permanent or detrimental impact on the character of the Registered Building.

Party Status

The local authority is, by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5) (d), considered an "interested person" and as such should be afforded party status.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 30.04.2010

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C : Conditions for approval <br> N : Notes attached to conditions <br> R : Reasons for refusal <br> O : Notes attached to refusals

C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.

C 2. This permission relates to the erection of a garden shed as shown in the drawings and information all received on 23rd March, 2010.

N 1. The applicant is encouraged to paint or stain the shed dark brown or dark green to minimise its impact.

I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to the Senior Planning Officer.

Decision Made : Permitted Date : Signed : Senior Planning Officer