19 November 2009 · Senior Planning Officer
Allandale Farm, Ballamanagh Road, Sulby, Isle Of Man, IM7 2hb
The proposal sought permission to retain an existing portakabin, measuring 9 metres wide by 4.2 metres deep, clad in slab wood to resemble a log cabin, for use as ancillary sleeping and showering accommodation for friends and relatives at Allandale Farm, with cooking in the main house.
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The officer concluded the portakabin would create additional living accommodation tantamount to a new dwelling in the countryside, as it is large enough for independent one-bedroom use (sleeping/showe…
General Policy 3
Prohibits development outside zoned areas except specific exceptions (e.g. agricultural worker housing, redundant building conversion, essential agricultural buildings). Officer assessed proposal fails all exceptions as not essential farm need, not within curtilage, tantamount to new dwelling in unzoned countryside.
Environment Policy 2
Protects Areas of High Landscape Value (AHLV) unless development does not harm character or location essential. Site in AHLV per 1982 Plan; portakabin's size/design/finish harms landscape character and quality, no essential need demonstrated.
Sulby Local Plan Policy RES/P/3
Site in open space/agricultural zoning, not designated for residential development. Proposal introduces unwarranted residential use.
Do not oppose has no traffic management, parking or road safety implications.
The original application (09/01263/R) to retain an existing portakabin as ancillary living accommodation was refused by the Planning Committee. The appellant argued it was for temporary visitor use, not visible from most areas, and useful for a working farm with tourism plans. The Council defended refusal on grounds of creating an additional countryside dwelling, outside residential curtilage, in an Area of High Landscape Value, and poor design. The inspector found the portakabin alien to the local character, likely to become independent accommodation, and harmful to the area's appearance, recommending dismissal. The Minister accepted this and directed removal by 31 May 2010.
Precedent Value
Demonstrates strict enforcement of countryside housing restrictions; ancillary accommodation proposals in open countryside/Areas of High Landscape Value face high hurdles if not within curtilage or visually integrated. Applicants should prioritise sites within curtilage and ensure designs harmonise with vernacular.
Inspector: David G Hollis
