3.7

Office conversion policy

Source: Aps Written Statement

ound the church, and set on the saddle between Meayll Hill and Cronk ny Arrey. Some of the buildings are used as part of the Cregneash Folk Museum.

(ii) Assessment: It is indicated at paragraph A.3.7 of Appendix 3 to the Isle of Man Strategic Plan that "Cregneash may also be judged to have the characteristics of a village, but as the National Folk Museum it is subject to special consideration, seeking to preserve and protect the authenticity and integrity of the village and its setting." However, it would be more accurate to refer to Cregneash as "the setting for the National Folk Museum" rather than "the National Folk Museum". The introduction of additional dwellings, necessarily constructed some 100 years or more later than any existing dwelling in the village, would clearly be inimical to preserving the authenticity and integrity of the present group and its value as the setting for the Folk Museum. Additional dwellings are not therefore proposed.

(b) The Howe/Glen Chass:

(i) Description: The Howe comprises a group of dwellings and farm buildings around the chapel on the north side of the road to The Sound. Just to the east, scattered either side of the road down to Fistard are the dwellings comprising Glen Chass. These linked groups have a sense of identity, arising in part from the chapel and in part from the topographical setting. The groups are close to Port St Mary, but clearly within the countryside. Apart from the chapel, there are no public buildings.

(ii) Assessment: These groups are not in themselves sustainable settlements, and are not far enough away from Port St Mary or Port Erin to generate a valid local need for housing. In the case of The Howe, further development would be likely to extend or consolidate the existing ribbon development along The Sound Road, whilst in the case of Glen Chass, the access road is narrow and difficult, especially for public service vehicles. In these circumstances, additional dwellings are not proposed for The Howe or Glen Chass.

(c) Ballakilpheric/Cronk e Dhooney:

(i) Description: Grouped quite compactly to the west and east of the still-active chapel are two collections of dwellings and farm buildings, some of which are comparatively modern. The group is some 1.5 km from the Colby main road, up a winding and sometimes narrow road. The sense of place arises largely from the chapel at the crossroads, but there are no other public facilities or amenities.

(ii) Assessment: Whilst a small number of additional dwellings could be added without visual detriment to either the group or its setting, the group is not sustainable, is served by a poor access road, and is not distant enough from Colby to generate a valid local need for housing. Additional dwellings are not therefore proposed.

(d) Earystane:

(i) Description: Earystane comprises a collection of dwellings scattered along the road between Ballamoar and Ballacannell. The distinctive, finely coursed stonework of some of the buildings, including the former chapel, lends a sense of unity to this interesting upland settlement. The group is some 2.5 km from the main Colby Road, is served by only a narrow road, and has no public facilities or amenities.

(ii) Assessment: Further dwellings would clearly not be sustainable, and would reduce the interest and attraction of the existing group. Road access is poor. Additional dwellings are not therefore proposed.

(e) St Marks:

(i) Description: St Marks is a designated Conservation Area, which includes some of the surrounding countryside. The buildings include the church, a chapel, the former school rooms, and a number of dwellings clustered around the village green. The spaces between the buildings contribute positively to the character of the settlement, helping to integrate it with its immediate rural environment. The undeniable sense of place arises not only from the disposition of the buildings and spaces, but also from the location at the meeting of several rural roads.

(ii) Assessment: The Character Appraisal statement for the Conservation Area indicates that "Whilst new development might not be ruled out, detailed and careful assessment of any proposed development would be required relative to the potential impact on the special character and historic interest of the settlement and its existing balance". The statement also identifies the derelict smithy as having potential for conversion to residential use. Having regard to these indications, and to the comparatively large agricultural hinterland in which St Marks sits, the principle of a small number of suitably sited and designed new dwellings being added to the Village could meet any local housing need without affecting adversely the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. However, the Department's Conservation team will need to undertake a full site analysis before firm conclusions can be reached (see paragraph 4.10.3 for the conclusions of the further assessment for St Marks undertaken in 2010).