Planning Report and Recommendations

Application No.: | 04 / 00633 / B | | :-- | :-- | | Applicant: | Mr J Dixon | | Proposal: | Conversion of storage building to a dwelling including a two storey extension to | | | rear | | Site Address: | Glen Darragh Mill Braaid Road Braaid Marown | ### Considerations Case Officer : Diane Robinson Expected Decision Level: Committee Decision ### Written Representations We have received no private representations for this application. ### Consultations Consultee : Highways Division Notes: objections, see comments Consultee : Marown Parish Commissioners Notes: no objections Consultee : Chief Fire Officer Notes: see comments Consultee : Drainage Division Notes: see comments Policy

Officer's Report

Glen Darragh Mill is a prominent site between Glen Vine and Braaid Cross Roads. The actual mill is behind the main house which fronts directly onto the road. The site has High Landscape Value and is in an area of Registered Woodland.

History

95/1262 - Approval in principle for the extension to the mill building - Refused at Appeal 5th September 1996

98/1960 - Approval in principle for conversion of former mill to dwelling - approved 31st March 1999 - Approved but now expired.

The Inspector at Appeal in respect of 95/1262 was concerned about the size of the extension, the enclosure of the mill wheel and the loss of the millrace. The subsequent application related only to the conversion of the building and not to any extensions.

It is now proposed to convert the former mill to residential use and erect a two storey extension. Planning Circular 3/89 states that the building must be substantially intact and capable of renovation. Whilst no survey work has been submitted, I am content following a site visit that the integrity of the building is sound. The Circular also states that any extension should be modest. This is not a modest extension and it is not essential to make the building useable as residential space. Whilst the mill race will be preserved, the extension would detract from the character and appearance of the original building. Whilst it is smaller than that proposed under PA 95/1262, the concerns about turning this mill into a large house remain the same.

A smaller side extension which assists in providing better internal circulation space would be more preferable and fewer trees may need to be removed. The parking arrangements could have been better thought though; the two spaces to be sited in front of the extension would be unsightly. A location has been identified for a future garage - this would detract from the character and setting of the mill.

The Highways Division is concerned about access. The agent has indicated that for the moment the converted mill would be used in the same ownership as the main house. The agent does suggest that in the future a separate access could be provided onto the minor road leading to Elleslic Farm. This would not be acceptable; in the event that the two units were separated in the future, the best option would be to share the same access.

---

Recommendation Recommended Decision: Refused Date of Recommendation: 24.05.2004

---

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal C: Conditions for approval N: Notes attached to conditions R: Reasons for refusal O: Notes attached to refusals

---

R 1.

The Planning Committee does not object to the principle of the renovation of the existing building, given that the former mill makes a positive contribution to the character of the countryside. It is judged however that the extension as proposed would be contrary to Policy 4 as set out in Planning Circular 3/89 "Renovation of Buildings in the Countryside" which states that an "extension of modest and

appropriate scale may be permitted for the provision of essential facilities if shown to be impracticable within the existing building and a requirement of Building Byelaws." It is judged that the size and design of the proposed extension would detract form the historic character and appearance of the former mill building and harm the setting of the building which has High Scenic Value and is also an area of Registered Woodland.

N 2. It should be noted that it is unlikely that planning permission will be granted in the future for garaging associated will the former mill. The applicant should also note that in the event that a proposal is made to use the former mill as a separate residential unit, it is unlikely that planning permission will be granted for a new access.

Decision Made : .

Committee Meeting Date : 28-4-04.......