Planning Report and Recommendations

Application No.: 09/01206/CON Applicant: The Milntown Trust Proposal: Registered Building Consent for the erection of roadside signage at main entrance and rear exit (RB no 168 in association with 09/01205D) Site Address: Milntown Mansion Glen Auldyn Ramsey Isle Of Man IM7 2AB ### Considerations Case Officer : Mr Chris Balmer Expected Decision Level: Senior Planning Officer ### Written Representations ### Consultations Consultee : Lezayre Parish Commissioners Notes: Approve Consultee : Highways Division Notes: Do not oppose Consultee : Conservation Officer Notes :

Officer's Report

Site

The site represents the residential curtilage of Milntown Mansion, Glen Auldyn, Ramsey, which is a large detached property set within substantial grounds. The site is located on a corner plot with Lezayre Road to the north and Glen Auldyn Road to the west of the site.

Land Use Zoning / Planning Policies

The application site is within an area recognised as being an area of 'Low Density Housing in Parkland", under the Isle of Man Development Plan Order 1982. The site is not within a Conservation Area; but is within an area zoned as High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance. The property is also a Registered Building (nr 168).

• Ramsey local Plan 1998 - Planning Circular 2/99;
• The Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007)
• Planning Policy Statement 1/01 - Policy RB/5

Due to the zoning of the site, and the nature of the proposed development, the following Planning Policy is relevant in the consideration of the application:-

Environment

Policy 2: The present system of landscape classification of Areas of High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance (AHLV's) as shown on the 1982 Development Plan and subsequent Local and Area Plans will be used as a basis for development control until such time as it is superseded by a landscape classification which will introduce different categories of landscape and policies and guidance for control therein. Within these areas the protection of the character of the landscape will be the most important consideration unless it can be shown that:

• (a) the development would not harm the character and quality of the landscape; or
• (b) the location for the development is essential.

Policy 32: "Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest will not be permitted."

Planning Policy Statement 1/01

"RB/3: General Criteria Applied in Considering Registered Building Applications The issues that are generally relevant to the consideration of all registered building applications are:

• The importance of the building, its intrinsic architectural and historic interest and rarity, relative to the Island as a whole and within the local context;
• The particular physical features of the building (which may include its design, plan, materials or location) which justify its inclusion in the register; descriptions annexed to the entry in the register may draw attention to features of particular interest or value, but they are not exhaustive and other features of importance, (e.g. Interiors, murals, hidden fireplaces) may come to light after the building's entry in the register;
• The building's setting and its contribution to the local scene, which may be very important, e.g. Where it forms an element in a group, park, garden or other townscape or landscape, or where it shares particular architectural forms or details with other buildings nearby (including other registered buildings)."

"RB/5: Alterations and Extensions In considering whether to grant planning approval for development which affects a registered building or its setting and in considering whether to grant registered building consent for any works, the Department shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses.

Registered Building consent is required for the building's alteration in any way which would affect its special architectural or historic character. There will be a general presumption against alteration or extension of registered buildings, except where a convincing case can be made, against the criteria set out in this section, for such proposals.

Applicants for registered building consent for alteration or extension to a registered building must be able to justify their proposals. They will be required to show why the works which would affect the character of the registered building are desirable or necessary and they should provide full information to enable the Department to assess the likely impact of their proposals on the special architectural or historic interest of the building and on its setting. Where registered buildings are the subject of successive applications for alteration or extension, consideration will also be given to the cumulative affect upon the building's special interest as a result of several minor works which may individually seem of little consequence."