H16

Policy H16 - Housing Policy 16

Housing Policy 16: The extension of non-traditional dwellings or those of poor or inappropriate form will not generally be permitted where this would increase the impact of the building as viewed by the public.

8.13 Conversion of Buildings to Flats

8.13.1 There are in the Island, and particularly in Douglas, many substantial buildings which, because of their size or form, are no longer suitable for the originally intended use as either single dwellings or holiday accommodation, but which are still structurally sound. The Department has for many years encouraged the conversion of such buildings, where appropriate, into flats.

8.13.2 The size, layout, occupancy, etc., of flats are controlled by the Housing (Flats) Regulations 1982. However, all flats should also have a good external environment, characterised by -

1. a pleasant, clear outlook, particularly from the principal room(s) of the flat and
2. access to external space for the purpose of clothes-drying, refuse storage, car-parking, and general amenity.

8.13.3 Many buildings which are generally suitable for conversion into flats not only have very little space around them, but also have an annex or "outlet" at the rear. The Department may require the demolition, in total or in part, of such "outlets" even where the immediate use of the cleared space may not be possible, for example where more than one rear annex may be needed to be removed to gain access or highway work such as road widening may be required to make the cleared space useful. Such demolition will:

1. remove accommodation which has a poor environment and limited outlook;
2. permit the creation of parking space; and
3. assist in admitting light and air to the rear of the building proper.

Where such demolition is not so required, the accommodation must generally be organised so that every flat has an outlook from the front of the building, and so that no flat is contained entirely within an "outlet". Exception may be made to this general approach where the environment at, and the outlook from, the rear are pleasant and open.