**Document:** Officer Planning Report **Application:** 10/01181/B — Alterations and erection of an extension **Decision:** Refused **Decision Date:** 2010-10-18 **Parish:** Marown **Document Type:** report / officer_report **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/36888-marown-methodist-chapel-old-church-road-alteration-extension/documents/1358856 --- # Officer Planning Report ## Planning Report And Recommendations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Considerations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Written Representations ### Consultations [Table omitted in markdown export] [Table omitted in markdown export] [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Officer's Report #### The Site The application site relates to Crosby Methodist Chapel Old Church Road, Crosby. The building, which is located on the eastern side of the road, is detached with a walled area to the front. There is a service lane which runs between the building and the adjacent church hall and the submitted drawings show that there is a right of way over the lane. The building is set back from the road and the portion of land to the front represents the only outdoor space associated with the building. The adjacent church hall building is set forward of the Methodist Chapel and has a smaller area of land to the front. #### The Proposal This application seeks approval for alterations and extensions to the building. The plans show that the existing front porch would be removed and a single storey extension would be constructed which would project just over 9.5 metres from the front wall, leaving an open area to the front of the building bounded by the existing wall. The extension would provide an assembly area, a vestry, toilets, a store and a kitchen. The existing building has castellated detailing along its front and rear gables and at the top of the four columns located at each corner of the building. The proposal would remove this detailing and the side elevation which is has an exposed stone finish would be rendered. A fire escape door way would be created in the side elevation. ## Planning Status The application site is located within an area identified as being residential use by the 1982 Development Order. Within the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007, the following is judged to be relevant in the assessment and determination of this application: General Policy 2, which states: "Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development: - (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; - (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; - (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; - (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; - (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea; - (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks; - (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; - (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; - (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; - (j) can be provided with all necessary services; - (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; - (I) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; - (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and - (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption." ### Planning History The following previous planning application is considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application: 10/00357/B sought approval for the change of use of the adjacent building from Methodist Sunday School to a dwelling. This application was permitted. ### Representations Marown Parish Commissioners do not object to this application. The Highways Division does not oppose this application. The Drainage Division of the Isle of Man Water and Sewerage Authority does not object to this application but comments on the discharge of surface water which is covered by the Sewerage Act 1999. ### Assessment The main issues to be assessed in the consideration of this application are whether the proposed extension and alterations would be sympathetic to the building and to the character of the area. As such specific regard should be given to Strategic Policy 5 and General policy 2 parts (b), (c) and (g). The existing building is an attractive feature of the street and whilst it is set back from the road, the front elevation provides interest and character to the immediate locality. The character of the building is largely expressed through the castellated detailing of the front facade and the balance created by its symmetry. The proposal would remove the detailing of the front facade and would introduce a relatively modern extension which would further detract from the appearance of the building. It is judged that these changes would be detrimental to the character of the church. Whilst is it understood that this application seeks to allow an increased floor area and improved internal layout, the proposal is judged to be unacceptable by virtue of the impact upon the character of the existing building and the immediate surrounding area. RECOMMENDATION Refuse. PARTY STATUS It is considered that the following parties, who submitted comments, accord with the requirements of Planning Circular 1/06 and are therefore, afforded Interested Party Status: Marown Parish Commissioners Accordingly the following parties are not granted Interested Party Status: The Drainage Division of the Isle of Man Water and Sewerage Authority The Department of Transport Highways and Traffic Division is now part of the Department of Infrastructure of which the planning authority is part. As such, the Highways and Traffic Division cannot be afforded party status in this instance. Recommendation Recommended Decision: Refused Date of Recommendation: 07.10.2010 Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal - : Notes attached to refusals R 1. The proposed alterations and extensions would cause demonstrable harm to the character and appearance of the existing building and as such would adversely affect the amenity of the surrounding area contrary to Strategic Policy 5 and General Policy 2 parts (b), (c) and (g) of the Strategic Plan. I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to Senior Planning Officer. Decision Made: Refused Signed: _______________________________ Senior Planning Officer --- *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/36888-marown-methodist-chapel-old-church-road-alteration-extension/documents/1358856*