**Document:** APL Design and Access Statement **Application:** 21/00359/B — Alterations and erection of an extension to rear elevation **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2021-06-29 **Parish:** Michael **Document Type:** report / design_access_statement **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/7380-michael-west-loghan-cottage-loughan-alteration-extension/documents/931260 --- # APL Design and Access Statement ## Design Statement For ## Extension to the rear of the property West Loughan Cottage, Jurby East, Isle of Man. IM7 3EZ By ### Cornerstone Architects Ltd 79 Parliament Street Ramsey Isle of Man IM8 1AQ LOCATION: West Loughan Cottage, Jurby East, Isle of Man. IM7 3EZ PROPOSAL: Proposed refurbishment and extension APPLICANT: Mr Sam Adcock DESIGNERS: Cornerstone Architects Limited This Design Statement should be read in conjunction with the following drawings and supporting documents: 3050/20 (03) 001 Rev A - Site & Location Plan 3050/20 (03) 100 - Existing Plans & Elevations 3050/20 (03) 110 - Proposed Plans & Elevations #### Development Brief The existing property is a dated Manx Cottage which over the years has received a number of works including replacement windows, internal alterations and amendments, removal of the chimney stacks which have been replaced with GRP alternatives and external works. The purpose of the application is to ensure the longevity of the property is maintained. The client/owner of the property is a young man with family, he is a single parent bringing up his son and requires modern accommodation to allow this to happen in some comfort. It is proposed to strip back the internal of the main cottage to provide an insulated solution to the house, this requires a lining to be applied to the internal walls – it should be noted that above ground floor level the original external walls have been replaced with traditional brickwork masonry such as to create a level eaves, this was done a number of years ago and is to be adapted as part of the works. As the existing property is very small it is considered that a subordinate extension to the rear of the property is an appropriate use of the site, this is achieved by creating a two storey link incorporating a staircase and WC facility on the ground floor linking this to the main house on a landing thus allowing internal amendment to create two bedrooms and a bathroom within the existing roof space. It should be noted that the available head room is diminished, and the removal of the existing roof underdrawing finishes is required to insulate. This will add, where linked to the proposed extension, necessary headroom to achieve access in accordance with a building regulations requirement. There is an existing septic tank servicing the house which will be reused. The proposal for an extension to the rear is flexible at this time - it is shown as a bedroom and small living room however this may be able to be converted into a single living room in the fullness of time. This adaptability and flexibility should be welcomed and the introduction of sustainable renewable energy options is proposed, in this case Solar Panels in the form of Photovoltaics to the roof to enable water to be heated via the power generated and potentially an Air Source Heat Pump to be incorporated on the rear of the property to provide further heating options. There are existing buildings to the rear garden area which may be demolished however in the early stages of the proposals these are imperative to be maintained as there is no other storage option within the property. It is proposed to utilise the existing access driveway into the property this will be without alteration and therefore there has been no consultation with the Highway Division associated with this application. Over the years there has been separation of the property from the adjoining neighbour - this will not be amended as part of these proposals and the boundary between the farm activities and this dwelling are to be maintained in perpetuity. There are a number of trees on the development site however these are not within the constraints of the proposals and the locations of these along with the root protection areas are shown on the existing and proposed site plans. Historically the creation of a new vehicular hardstanding driveway and access onto the highway at West Loughan was approved in the 20th July 2004, planning application 04/00859/B and these works have been commenced the necessary separation of the property and the boundaries has been in the main completed however the finishes to the boundary walls require further works, these will be completed as part of the proposed development in respect of the separation from the adjoining property. Surfacing of the proposals will be via the existing stoned up track and grass centre way such as to have the appearance of a farm track this is secured through an existing 5 bar gate situation which will be maintained as part of the works. --- *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/7380-michael-west-loghan-cottage-loughan-alteration-extension/documents/931260*