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CJ Design Limited

10 Ballaterson Road, Peel, Isle of Man IM5 1BJ

Tel: 426277

email: [email protected]

SUPPORTING INFORMATION STATEMENT FOR PROPOSED GARAGE CONVERSTION AT CROFTON MEWS, THE CROFTS, CASTLETOWN. 2023/40/03

Existing Site The application site is the residential curtilage of Crofton Mews, an existing detached two storey property located on the eastern side of The Croft, Castletown. The existing property has a large open plan double garage to the ground floor, capable of accommodating two vehicles. To the first floor there is a one bedroom residential unit, accessed from an external staircase to the side of the property. The building forms part of the Crofton estate and is under the ownership of Crofton, The Crofts, Castletown.

The existing property is set back from the road with a large area of off road hand- standing providing off road parking for up to four vehicles. Crofton Mews has a 12m frontage along the highway and this frontage comprise a stone boundary wall and a 5.4m wide vehicle access.

North of the site is neighbouring property Kenmure, an end terrace dwelling which has a 4.5m wide vehicle access directly adjacent to the site. South of the site and under the ownership of the applicant is Crofton, an existing registered building No. 261. This dwelling has a front boundary comprising a small wall with railings above which has at either end a gated vehicle access and pedestrian access. The driveway at Crofton affords off road parking provision for up to four vehicles (more if parking on the driveway).

The site is located within the Castletown Conservation Area however does not form part of the Registered Building Status afforded to Crofton (Registered Building Number 261).

Photographs of the existing garage and residential unit above are included on CJ Design drawing numbered 2023/40/01, submitted as part of this planning application.

Planning History Following a search carried out on the Planning Department website it would appear the application site has been subject to the following planning applications prior to this application: -

20/00779/MCH Minor Amendment to gate design & material Approved 18/01279/B

Widen vehicular access

Approved 18/01282/CON Widen vehicular access

Approved

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Client Statement As regular users of home gym equipment and having a great understanding of the benefits that brings, we have incorporated home gyms into our previous properties. Due to the historical nature and listed status of our main residence “Crofton” we feel that incorporating a gym into the main house will have a detrimental effect on the feel of the home. Our aim is to keep the house as traditional as possible and we feel the modern nature of a home gym does not fit with this.

We are very fortunate that there is ample off street parking to the exterior of both Crofton and Crofton Mews and we do not feel the need to garage our vehicles. For ease of use it would be our preference to park our cars outside on our drive. The garage would alternatively be used for nothing other than storage for which we already have ample additional outbuildings in Crofton.

Pre-Application Advice

Prior to production of Sketch Scheme drawings, pre-application consultations have taken place with Mr Ross Brazier, Conservation Officer & Mr Thomas Sinden, Conservation Officer. These consultations have been in the form of a site meeting and email correspondence. The advice given in the pre-application consultations has been incorporated into the drawings and information that forms the basis of this application.

Current Proposals This application seeks full planning approval for the conversion of the ground floor double garage at Crofton Mews a home gym for use by the owners of Crofton.

The new owners of Crofton would like to create a home gym that can be exclusively used by them during their residence in Crofton. Although Crofton is a large residential property, the owners believe there is no space within the building to provide a dry and warm environment suitable for use as a home gym without having a detrimental impact on the Registered Building. Therefore, they consider the detached garage building ideal for conversion for the purposes of the home gym.

The existing double garage is used to store garden equipment and has a gas fired boiler to provide water & space heating to the residential unit above which will be extended to provide space heating within the new Gym. The ground floor will be insulated, along with the external walls (using internal wall insulation) to provide a dry and heated space that can be used all year round. Showering and changing facilities will be retained in Crofton.

The proposed conversion works involve the removal of three garage doors and replacement with new double glazed, timber screens that have the appearance of original doors. This will help the building retain it’s appearance of a garage at ground floor with residential accommodation above.

Four off road parking spaces will be retained directly in front of Crofton Mews and this is considered more than adequate to accommodate any guests using the one- bedroom residential unit above, whilst providing overflow parking for Crofton.

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We believe the proposed garage conversion is sensitive to the residential location within Castletown Conservation area, does not have any adverse visual impact on the property and street scene and provides adequate off-road parking for use by Crofton Mews in addition to Crofton.