26 February 2013 · Minister for Infrastructure (via Chief Executive I T Thompson, confirming officer approval after dismissing appeal)
4, Larch Hill, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 5nq
The proposal is for a retrospective erection of an L-shaped timber garden store measuring approximately 2.6m x 7.2m with an additional 2.1m x 3.3m area, located in the south-western corner of the rear garden, featuring concrete blockwork along the shared boundary with No.
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Officer Laura Davy recommended approval as the store, though larger than permitted development, fits a reasonable-sized garden without overdevelopment even with the approved two-storey extension, leav…
General Policy 2
Requires development in residential zoning to respect site/surroundings in siting/layout/scale, not adversely affect residential amenity/character, and provide satisfactory standards. Officer tested against amenity impacts (no overbearing/loss of light to neighbours), scale in garden context (reasonable size, not overdevelopment), and character (blockwork visibility limited); found compliant as structure ancillary to dwelling with no highway/ecology harm.
Approved plans
This permission relates to the erection of a timber garden store as shown in drawings location plan, site plan, floor plan and elevations received 21st December 2012.
Domestic use only
The proposed store shown in floor plan and elevations received 21st December 2012 may be used only in association with the main dwellinghouse '4 Larch Hill' and for purposes incidental to the use of the main dwellinghouse '4 Larch Hill' as a single dwellinghouse and for no commercial purposes.
no objections
The original application 12/01693/B for erection of a timber garden store (retrospective) was approved on 26 February 2013 subject to conditions restricting it to domestic use ancillary to the dwelling. Neighbour Sandra Draper appealed, arguing the size suggested non-domestic use linked to a building business, causing traffic/congestion, overdevelopment with house extensions, and impacts on amenity including overshadowing and boundary maintenance. Other neighbours (Mr and Mrs Maddrell) raised similar concerns about overdevelopment, commercial use, noise, visual impact, and parking. The inspector assessed the site, found the outbuilding acceptable in scale, minimal visual impact from blockwork, no significant overshadowing or amenity harm, and restricted use enforceable by condition and access constraints, aligning with General Policy 2(g). The Minister dismissed the appeal on 4 July 2013, confirming the approval.
Precedent Value
Demonstrates that third-party appeals against approved domestic outbuildings rarely succeed without evidence of planning harm; conditions and site constraints can effectively address use concerns. Future applicants can rely on enforceable conditions and physical site limits to defend against neighbour objections on perceived commercial misuse.
Inspector: Alan Langton
