**Document:** APL Design and Access Statement **Application:** 24/00404/B — Erection of a mobile structure for ancillary residential and tourist use **Decision:** Refused **Decision Date:** 2024-08-20 **Parish:** Michael **Document Type:** report / design_access_statement **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/32425-michael-ballahowin-orrisdale-mobile-structure-ancillary/documents/1062643 --- # APL Design and Access Statement ## G C A Design & Access Statement Proposed Shepherds Hut for Residential & Homestay Use `Ballahowin` Orrisdale, Kirk Michael, Isle of Man GCA Ltd The Design Studio Carmodil Beg, Glen Road, Ballaugh IM7 5JD T: 01624 898402 E: gca@manx.net W: gcaarchitects.co.uk ARCHITECTURE PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERIORS ## Introduction: The Design & Access Statement is prepared in support of a detailed application for the siting of a bespoke, Shepherds Hut for residential and tourist use at `Ballahowin`, Orrisdale, Kirk Michael. The document explains the proposal, its usage, siting, scale, appearance and associated landscaping. ## Design Brief: Our Clients are looking to the provision of a Shepherds Hut for their own multi generational family / guest use and to offer soft use Homestay within their landscaped garden setting, in line with current Isle of Man Visitor Economy Strategy 2022-2032. ## Location & Site: The proposed is within the current residential curtilage of Ballahowin House and grounds. The residential holding comprises the existing bungalow property which is sub divided as part of the multi-generational family use. The existing stables, agricultural sheds and outbuildings, together with the vegetable gardens, grounds and paddocks. The proposed Shepherds Hut is to be sited to the rear of the vegetable garden and adjacent the current stable blocks and paddocks. The position has been chosen to allow near access from the main living accommodation for family / friends, while also providing easy access for homestay use with its own parking area. All access to the property and proposed Shepherd Hut site is served from the existing long driveway from the Orrisdale loop road. ## Appearance / Materials: The bespoke Shepherds Hut Unit by Arbor Shepherds Huts is 6.6m x 3.6 m in size, sat off the ground on a metal painted support frame transport wheels. The unit provides accommodation for 2 persons with living, cooking, sleeping and washroom facilities. Finished externally in feathered timber cladding with double glazed windows and doors with and a set of access steps. Internally the building is bespoke painted and finished. Its position sits within the existing small garden area adjacent the existing vegetable garden and stable block. The hut will sit on a pea gravel area for creating external alfresco dining / activities. The garden area will be landscaped further with small shrubs and fruit trees to form additional orchard and recreation area for the family and hut unit. ARCHITECTURE PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERIORS ## Sustainability: - • The new hut is a highly insulated timber framed unit including the roof / floor with wool fill insulation. - • Insulated double glazed sustainable timber windows / doors - • Low energy hot water / heating - • Soft impact ground finishes and grey water recovery options ## Trees: The existing site as a good coverage of well-maintained trees / large shrubs.No trees are lost or affected by the proposed low impact moveable hut unit. Additional fruit trees will be planted as part of the creation of the landscaping for the new hut with low impact gravel paths. ## Access / Impact: As previously mentioned the proposed hut will be positioned on a level site,at the rear of the existing bungalow property, adjacent the existing stables and vegetable area. All of the residential ownership is accessed from the Orrisdale Loop Road via a long tarmac drive, changing to gravel in the area where the new hut is positioned. Parking for several cars and vehicles with turning is available immediately adjacent the proposed hut area for homestay usage. There is no visual impact to the general public or the surrounding lands as the proposed siting of the hut is within the centre of the existing residential curtilage. ## Conclusion: The proposed low impact, 2 No. person moveable shepherds hut unit has been carefully considered and is positioned to allow full family enjoyment close to the house, while also providing easy access for possible future Homestay use. The demand for sustainable, low impact, rural accommodation facilities for Homestay is in great demand on the Island, both for Island Staycations and the increased visitor numbers being encouraged. This fully meets the goal of the Isle of Man Visitor Economy Strategy 2022-2032 to increase good facilities that assist our Island growth in visitor numbers, while providing year round family guest accommodation as needed. ARCHITECTURE PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERIORS Existing Site Photographs: - Photo 1 : Access to Proposed Site from House - Photo 2 : Access to Proposed Site from House ARCHITECTURE PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERIORS ![photograph from page 4](https://images.planningportal.im/2024/04/6873685.png) ![photograph from page 4](https://images.planningportal.im/2024/04/6873686.jpg) - Photo 3 : Proposed Site of Ancillary Accommodation Shepherds Hut - Photo 4 : Proposed Site Access & Parking ARCHITECTURE PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERIORS ![photograph from page 5](https://images.planningportal.im/2024/04/6873687.jpg) ![photograph from page 5](https://images.planningportal.im/2024/04/6873688.jpg) ## Architecture Project Management Interiors --- *Data sourced from the Isle of Man public planning register under the [Isle of Man Open Government Licence](https://www.gov.im/about-this-site/open-government-licence/).* *Canonical page: https://planningportal.im/a/32425-michael-ballahowin-orrisdale-mobile-structure-ancillary/documents/1062643*