19 July 2022 · Planning Committee
Ballacreg, Dreemskerry Hill, Maughold, Isle Of Man, IM7 1be
The proposal involves a single-storey building, 5m wide by 11.1m deep with 3.7m ridge height, finished in timber cladding and dark roofing, on the footprint of an existing dilapidated outbuilding in the substantial mature gardens of Ballacreg, a two-storey detached house at the end of Dreemskerry Hill.
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 acknowledged the proposal does not comply with general planning policies restricting development in unzoned countryside of high landscape value, as per General Policy 3, Environment Policy…
Environment Policy 1
Protects countryside outside settlements not designated for development from adverse effects unless overriding national need and no alternative. Officer found proposal does not strictly comply but justified exception due to minimal visual harm from screening and horticultural linkage.
Environment Policy 2
Prioritises protection of Areas of High Landscape Value unless development does not harm character/quality or location essential. Assessed as acceptable given single-storey scale, existing footprint, topography, mature vegetation screening views from roads/railway, and conditioned materials to blend with landscape.
General Policy 3
Restricts development outside zoned areas except specific exceptions (e.g. agriculture, essential services); florist studio not listed. Material considerations including Strategic Plan business growth aims, on-site horticulture, and no landscape/amenity harm tipped balance in favour despite policy non-compliance.
Business Policy 1
Encourages employment growth if according with other policies. Supported economic benefits and unique public facility, outweighing countryside location issues when tied to on-site flower production.
Environment Policy 15
Allows agricultural/horticultural buildings if need outweighs countryside policy, sited near building groups, sympathetic scale/design. Treated florist studio as analogous due to on-site growing; location justified by existing hardstanding in sunlit growing area despite separation concerns overruled by minimal impact and green credentials.
Limit on workshops
No more than 8 florist events (i.e. workshops) shall take place in any one calendar year unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Department. Reason: in the interest of local amenity and this is what has been proposed.
Visitor limit
No more than six visitors in association with florist workshops at the studio may be on site at any time. Reason: in the interest of local amenity and this is what has been proposed.
Use restriction to florist business
The building hereby approved may only be used by the occupants and owners of the main dwelling house "Ballacreg" for the operation of the florist business and for florist workshops only. Reason: In the interest of residential amenities of "Ballacreg", the studio has been approved on the basis of the growing of flowers on this site and the interests of the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area.
Flue colour
The external flue hereby approved is required to be finished or painted/coloured a dark black/grey colour and be retained thereafter. Reason: In the interests of the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area.
Roof and wall materials
The external roof of the new building must be a dark grey/slate colour and the external walls either left in their natural state or painted a dark brown or dark green colour all being retained thereafter. Reason: In the interests of the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area.
Cessation of business reversion
Should the florist business cease to operate the building hereby approved shall only be used in association with the main dwelling house "Ballacreg" and for purposes incidental to the use of main dwelling house "Ballacreg" as a single dwelling and for no other commercial purposes. Reason: The dwelling is within a single residential plot within an area not zoned for development where an exception has been made. The application does not propose to create separate units of accommodation within the site and has not been considered as such.
No additional uses without permission
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) (Temporary Use or Development) Order 2015 Schedule 1 Class B or any order amending or replacing this order, no additional uses may take place at the site other than in accordance with an approval set out within a specific planning application. Reason: given the nature and location of the proposal and the need to protect the countryside.
No significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking
Garff Commissioners objected to the application due to the proposed building location being too far from the existing building cluster, while DOI Highways Division had no objection.
Key concern: building too far from building cluster
Garff Commissioners
ObjectionIt was felt that the building was too far away from building cluster and a location nearer to the main house was preferred by Members.; The Board Object to the application pending the submission of amended plans or information that justifies the proposed location away from the current building cluster.
Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Highways Division
No ObjectionDo not oppose; After reviewing this Application, Highway Services HDC finds it to have no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and /or parking.; DNO on 3.3.22
