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Ref: CM RSH
Date: 14th October 2021
Miss J. Callow Secretary to the Planning Committee Planning & Building Control Division D.E.F.A. Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2SF
Dear Miss Callow, Ref: Proposed alterations and extension to form new tourist let at Cranford, Breeze Hill, Laxey for Mr & Mrs Henthorn. We are pleased to attach a copy of our drawings and documentation for the above mentioned proposed works;
Design Statement.
The original cottage wall construction, as it stands comprises a mix of shuttered cast concrete and brick, rendered and painted white externally. The roof, in the main, is a timber structure with an asbestos cement tile over. The remaining additional roofs are a mix of fibreglass and corrugated asbestos and corrugated metal sheeting.
The original cottage element has been extended firstly to the rear, towards the rear bank and Ballachrink Cottage and to the south, more extensively with many ad hoc extensions constructed over time and set at differing levels down the site.
It is accepted that the building as it stands is extended in a utilitarian manner with cheap materials available at the time to provide the additional accommodation required. The original face of the building has become somewhat lost and the cottage, although inhabited until recently, is run down.
Our clients, who live above Cranford in Ballachrink Cottage, have recently purchased Cranford Cottage with the aim of turning this property into a tourist lettable unit, which they will be able to manage readily due to the close proximity.
The proposals seek to retain the main cottage structure closest to Breeze Hill, bringing it back to more of a traditional appearance and restoring the balance of the main element.
This is proposed with the reinstatement of the windows in timber and with a matching pattern to what is currently seen. These may not be the original glazing patterns but the overall aperture is larger than would be seen traditionally. It is however familiar to the buildings appearance currently. It is proposed to reinstate these windows in timber with a painted finish.
The existing asbestos cement roof tile would be removed and a new natural slate roof (possibly in a reclaimed slate) is proposed. The roof profile is raised slightly to allow capping of the existing walls and the two roof pitches are now set to the same roof pitch. The dotted lines on the elevations indicate the previous roof pitch lines viewed from Breeze Hill, which were of differing pitches.
The external walls would be insulated externally, rendered and painted with rainwater goods in a traditional style in black metal.
Although there is a chimney stack to the south gable, its proportion is incorrect and this is proposed to be replaced and mirrored to the opposite gable, with stacks of a more appropriate style.
This part of the restored cottage would contain two bedrooms with en suite facilities and the boiler room and the kitchen.
The ad hoc extensions are proposed to be demolished and in their place an extension formed off the main cottage to provide the breakfast/dining and lounge area which takes advantage of the views down to Laxey beach. This is proposed to be of a slightly contemporary design which differentiates from the traditional element.
This extended part is a single storey which steps down internally from the main cottage and remains on one level through its length, surrounded externally by a level timber deck and steps down to the sloping garden. The extension steps back from the main front elevation, is set lower with a lower roof pitch and is finished in metal, glass and timber.
The walls are to be clad in a good quality cedar or larch set vertically with a met seam metal standing seam roof over in a matt natural zinc finish. The larger overhangs shade the glazed elements and take full advantage of the views down to Laxey beach. The glazing tends to reflect its surroundings and the extension would be visually subservient to the white painted cottage frontage.
The steps around the extension and up to the new entrance door are tiered and wrap around the extension and as a result negate the requirement to spoil the views out with any balustrading.
The building, when viewed from the promenade, would sit comfortably within its well wooded hillside backdrop allowing the traditional part to be seen but not allowing the new element to stand out due to the use of materials and the existing variety of buildings which surround it.
The overall aim is to restore the traditional element in form and finishes and extend in a more modern style to provide accommodation which is able to enjoy the views out to Laxey beach.
We would be obliged if you could consider this application at your earliest convenience and advise us of the outcome in due course. In the meantime we confirm that whilst acting as the applicant's agent we are available for further consultation during the planning period to clarify any elements as required by your Department.
Yours sincerely,
Chris Penketh PENKETH-MILLAR Ltd
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