23 March 2009 · Planning Committee
Field 314758, Main Road, St Johns, Isle Of Man, IM4 3lx
The proposal was for a large detached bungalow with double garage on Plot 5 (approx 2280m2) of a site allocated for up to 6 single-storey dwellings in the St Johns Local Plan. The design featured exposed oak posts/beams, render infill, slate roof, timber windows, 3 ensuite bedrooms, and 20 rooflights creating space for…
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 assessed the proposal against the St Johns Local Plan development brief in POLICY RES/P/1, which requires all dwellings to be single storey (dormer accommodation not permitted), prior appr…
Residential Development within Development Area 1
Requires max 6 single-storey dwellings (no dormers), prior roads/sewers approval, temporary construction access not through Balladoyne Estate, archaeological investigation. Officer found breach on height (7.6m ridge excessive), no temporary access details, and no prior infrastructure approval; plot size/amenity ok but overall non-compliant.
presumes against any development which would adversely affect the southerly open countryside views from Peel Road
Protects views across site to Slieau Whallian; field between site and A1 re-designated open space. Plot 5's southern location behind Balladoyne Estate/mature vegetation had little visual impact despite height.
General Policy 2
Permits zoned development if compliant with area plan brief, respects scale/siting/amenity/access/services. Acceptable on design materials, parking, neighbour separation but failed on brief compliance, access, prematurity.
Strategic Policy 3 - To respect the character of our towns and villages
Protects village character, uses local materials. Noted but not decisive.
Housing Policy 6
Zoned residential development per area plan brief. Failed due to non-compliance with St Johns brief.
Transport Policy 4
Highways must accommodate development safely. No approved access/roads.
Environment Policy 42
Design reflects local character, no inappropriate backland. Design/materials acceptable but height issue.
no objection
no objection subject to conditions on sewer connection and no surface water to foul sewers
The original application for erection of a single-storey dwelling on Plot 5 was refused by the Planning Committee for reasons including excessive height impacting views from Peel Road, lack of temporary construction access details, and prematurity without approved roads and sewers. The appellant argued the dwellings would be adequately screened, heights were necessary for wind resistance, and infrastructure was addressed in a related appeal. The inspector found the proposed heights (6.4-6.6m ridge) would be visible from Peel Road despite screening, suggesting lower profiles were feasible, but the decisive issue was prematurity as no roads/sewers scheme was approved per the Development Brief. All appeals for plots 1-6 were dismissed on this basis. The Minister confirmed the dismissal on 15 July 2009.
Precedent Value
Strict adherence to Local Plan Development Briefs required; individual plot approvals premature without prior infrastructure consent, even if appealed. Future applicants must secure roads/sewers approval first and design low-profile dwellings for sensitive views.
Inspector: Michael Hurley
