**Document:** Officer Planning Report Recommendation **Application:** 08/01801/B — Conversion of existing garage into additional living accommodation and extension of driveway **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2008-12-05 **Parish:** Michael **Document Type:** report / officer_report **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/86254-kirk-michael-4-slieau-conversion-extension/documents/1531273 --- # Officer Planning Report Recommendation ## 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] ### Officer's Report #### The Site The application site represents the residential curtilage of 4 Slieau Curn Park, Michael. The property is a two storey, semi detached dwelling situated right hand side of the first cul-de-sac as one enters the estate. #### Planning Status The application site is located within an area identified as being of Residential Use by the Kirk Michael Local Plan. #### Planning History The following previous planning applications are considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application: PA89/00935/B sought approval for an extension. This was approved. PA90/00545/A sought approval in principle for the conversion of the garage to provide additional living accommodation. #### Representations The Department of Transport Highways Division does not oppose this application. Michael Commissioners do not object to this application. There have been no privately written representations in relation to this planning application. ## The Proposal This application seeks approval for the conversion of the existing integral single garage to provide additional living accommodation. It is also proposed to widen the existing driveway to provide additional off-street parking. The application mentions a garden shed however this is not part of the description of development and it is stated that this would fall within the provisions of the Permitted Development Order 2005. As such this element is not to be considered as part of this planning application. The garage conversion would include the removal of the garage door and the installation of a horizontally proportioned window similar to those currently installed in the property. The areas to the side and below the new windows would be blocked up and finished so as to match the existing property. ## Assessment The main issues to be considered in the assessment of this application are the impacts upon parking provision and the impact upon the street scene. On the first issue, the loss of the garage as a parking space would be balanced by the provision of an additional driveway space. The site would provide off-street parking for 3 vehicles, more than is required by the current parking standards as set out within the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2007. The conversion of the garage to form additional living accommodation is a relatively common type of development and is seen in many residential areas across the Island. The associated visual impact is acceptably low with the window proposed to be installed being of similar proportions to the existing windows on the front façade. One issue of concern is the impact upon the visual amenity of the streetsce ne as a result of the extension of the existing driveway. A site visit ascertained that within the cul-de-sac, a number of the properties have carried out similar works, extending the hardstanding to the front of the property. The proposal site itself actually has an area of hard surfacing in this area and as such the change from the existing situation would be the result of the widening of the access from the site onto the road. It is judged that this acceptable and a condition should be attached requiring "dropped kerbs" to be installed in accordance with Manx Roads. ## Recommendation It is recommended that the application be approved. ## 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: The Department of Transport Highways Division Michael Commissioners ### Recommendation Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 03.12.2008 ## 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 C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice. C 2. This approval relates to the conversion of the existing garage to form additional living accommodation and the widening of the existing driveway as shown by the plans and information DRWG 001, DRWG 002 and DRWG 003 submitted and date stamped 18th September 2008. C 3. The area shown as being hatched on the submitted plan 003 must not be used for the parking of vehicles until the access has been widened. "Dropped kerbs" must be installed in accordance with Manx Roads 2. The applicant is advised to contact the Department of Transport Highways Division in relation to this issue. C 4. The area around the proposed window must be made good and finished so as to match the external finishes of the existing building. I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular No 31/07 (Delegation of Functions to Senior Planning Officer) Decision Made : Permitted Date : 3/13/08 Signed : [Handwritten signature] 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/86254-kirk-michael-4-slieau-conversion-extension/documents/1531273*