**Document:** APL Plan Statement **Application:** 22/00750/CON — Alterations to dwelling including the removal of the existing rear conservatory, erection of two single storey extensions at the rear and creation of an additional entrance door on the front elevation - RB171 (in association with application 22/00748/GB) **Decision:** Refused **Decision Date:** 2022-10-26 **Parish:** Lezayre **Document Type:** report / planning_statement **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/25541-sulby-old-school-house-conservatory-dwelling/documents/1112180 --- # APL Plan Statement DEFA Planning & Building Control Directorate Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas IM1 2SF Re: The Old School House, Main Road, Sulby, IM7 2HP. The Sulby School House opened its doors in 1879 starting life as a dedicated school, and for nearly 112 years it served its purpose. Its doors finally closed in 1991. Its usefulness changed when the next chapter in its life came along in November 2000. NB. The best use for a Registered Building is usually the use for which the building was designed. However, it is recognised that it is often necessary to look for a new use to secure the economic future of the building. Permission was therefore granted to convert the former building into a private residential home. A number of major external and internal unsympathetic improvements and or alterations were carried out in an attempt to bring the now family home into the 21st century. Alas, in our opinion, it fell well short of all of our expectations. Having now lived in the building since 2018, I have been able to witness at first-hand the results of the depressing conversion that had been carried out. We are constantly trying to readdress the mistakes of our predecessors and have now the following serious proposals – 1. We are seeking to replace the very conspicuous single-story kitchen/conservatory to the rear with an invisible replacement. The new replacement will hide behind a Manx Stone wall that will blend in immediately with the existing elevations. The Commissioners for Lezayre and Manx Heritage have always been keen supporters to see the removal of this unsightly structure together with the inappropriate stainless-steel flue and brick chimney stack to the rear! The proposed single storey extensions to the rear of the residential property will be totally invisible from view both from the front and side elevations. This is now an opportunity to change and upgrade the internal layout of the family home. We also appreciate that the Planning Department and Conservation team are more than likely to ask that our proposed development Preserves/and or Enhances the surrounding location. This Registered Building can accommodate further change without the loss of special interest. Our design proposal will be assessed on the merits of how it will make this “Sensitive Area” more desirable, so the style of our property and the materials/fittings we use on the exterior are also highly important. Good planning started way back in 2018 when we acquired the site, and it has taken time to fully appreciate The Old School House and what it means to the local community as an important/historic landmark. Our application will be judged on our careful product selection. The Heritage/Conservation Officer will be looking for a higher quality design, whether it is in line with the local vernacular or something a little more progressive! It is good practice to improve on what already exists in the area with particular reference to the use of local materials. The main front entrance is the most important “Focal Point” of any building. This is why we are so adamant that we now have an opportunity to move the existing entrance from the present “Inferior Side” position to a much “Superior Position” facing the Main Road in Sulby. This, we feel will, without doubt, enhance the visual appearance of this Registered Building, adding instant kerb appeal. The bespoke oak doorcase and frame will fit comfortably and replace what is presently 3 large sash windows (not one presently opens) and with the removal of the lower Manx Stone section, our new entrance will have been formed. ### Proposed Internal Alterations to be Carried Out. - The existing ceiling height (7’ 1”) of the 2 ground-floor bedrooms and the sharing of the windows to the front and side elevation currently give the impression that you are presently sleeping in a prison cell (please see attached photos). - NB. The average ceiling height should be at least 7’10” to 8’! - By dismantling and removing the entire first-floor area, this will allow us to totally remodel the accommodation to the existing ground-floor area whilst enhancing the visual appearance of the “listed” glass screen. - The proposed rooms will be much better proportioned, most importantly, the height of the ceilings will be dramatically lifted above the existing high windows, so that they enjoy exclusively the natural daylight flooding through. - With the remodelling of the interior, this would be an ideal opportunity to seek permission to build/extend an identical ground-floor single-story extension at the other end of the building which would accommodate a well-planned-out double bedroom. In order to visualize our proposals at first-hand, we would welcome with open arms an internal inspection at a time that is convenient to you. We look forward to our application proceeding to everyone’s satisfaction. Yours faithfully B. D. PARMENTER --- *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/25541-sulby-old-school-house-conservatory-dwelling/documents/1112180*