A street-level photograph showing a two-story detached house with a driveway, a white car parked, and a wooden fence along the side boundary.
Planning Statement
For: Garden fencing, widening of driveway, greenhouse, shed and associated works
At: 1 Slieau Curn Park, Kirk Michael, Isle of Man, IM6 1EH
1.0 Introduction
1.1 This planning statement is submitted in support of a planning application for:
- Proposed fencing to existing front, side and rear garden areas.
- Proposed new shed approximately 2mx4.5m in size externally.
- Proposed greenhouse approximately 1.8m x 3.1m in size externally.
- Widening of the existing driveway from 2.4m to 8m approximately.
- Relocating of existing Slieau Curn Park street sign from applicants garden area to public area.
This statement outlines the existing site conditions, the details of the proposed cabin and proposed boundary treatment changes, and how the proposal aligns with relevant planning policies from the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 and the Isle of Man Residential Design Guidance 2021.
2.0 Existing Site
2.1 The site is a residential property located at 1 Slieau Curn Park, Kirk Micheal, Isle of Man, IM6 1EH. The existing dwelling is a semi detached property to the South side of the entrance into Slieau Curn Park. The rear garden faces towards the Main Road running through Kirk Micheal. The site is surrounded on three sides by garden space and driveway. The large proportion of the existing garden to the North and East are open without any boundary treatment before the public footpath and highway.
2.2 The rear garden and partial side garden of the property are already fenced to an approximate height of 1.4m to give some privacy. The current lack of main boundary
treatment does not allow for any privacy or flexibility in use of the garden space as it is directly faced on three sides by public pathway and highway.
2.3 There is an existing driveway to the East (front) side of the site of approximately 2.4m wide with a dropped kerb over the public footpath.
2.4 The surrounding area consists of residential properties, with neighbouring gardens of similar size and character. There are no conservation or heritage designations associated with the site, nor are there any significant environmental constraints, such as flood risks or protected trees.
2.5 The overall site is approx. 455m2 with the house equating to approx. 66m2. The current garden space not enclosed via any form of boundary treatment totals approximately 266m2.
2.6 The existing Slieau Curn Park entrance street sign is located within the boundary area of the site just off of Main Road, Kirk Michael.
3.0 Proposal
3.1 The proposal involves several key components:
- Proposed 1050mm high fencing to existing front, side and rear garden areas.
- Proposed new shed approximately 2mx4.5m in size externally.
- Proposed greenhouse approximately 1.8m x 3.1m in size externally.
- Widening of the existing driveway from 2.4m to 8m approximately.
- Relocating of existing Slieau Curn Park street sign from applicants garden area to public area.
4.0 Greenhouse and Shed
4.1 These items of the proposal are very standard in design and size. They will be manufacturer purchased and total a size of just under 15m2. These due to there being no other similar aspects on the site relating to these, it is felt could be undertaken within permitted development rights but for complete clarity have been added to this
application. A reason for this is the non-standard positioning of the site and what would be deemed closer to the Highway etc.
4.2 General dimensions and design can be found on drawing 20180-PL04
4.3 Both shed and greenhouse will be positioned a suitable distance from all boundaries and complies with the Isle of Man Residential Design Guidance 2021 in terms of privacy, scale, and amenity considerations. The cabin will not overshadow or overlook adjacent properties and will retain sufficient garden space for the use and enjoyment of the residents.
5.0 Boundary Treatment
5.1 The proposal involves the erection of vertical fencing to approximately 1050mm in height to the North, East and South boundaries of the existing site.
5.2 The new fencing system will be using concrete posts, horizontal battens and vertical fencing boards with gaps between to ensure the fencing does not form a continuous blank finish to the boundary.
5.3 The fencing will allow for the applicants to enjoy their entire site with more privacy than currently achieved with around 60% of the site being completely open to the public from three sides. The fencing will also improve the visual appeal of the site and its surroundings, enhancing the appearance from both the property and the public highway.
5.4 Impact on the Highway: Pre application consultation has been undertaken with Highways Department to ensure the proposed fencing meets requirements and restrictions as outlined with the Manual For Manx Roads. The new fencing will be installed without encroaching on the public footpath or road, ensuring there is no negative impact on the highway. The design also considers sightlines and the surrounding environment, ensuring it integrates smoothly into the streetscape and enhances the overall aesthetic without causing obstructions or hazards.
6.0 Widening of the Driveway
6.1 The existing driveway is only 2.4m wide and does not allow for 2 vehicles to park off the Highway without encroaching onto the non-paved area.
6.2 The existing garage as per most of these dwellings are no longer fit for purpose for modern vehicles that are typically larger.
6.3 The driveway is proposed to be widened to approximately 8 metres to allow wo vehicles to park side by side comfortably and pedestrian access also. The positioning has been done by factoring in the existing driveway location and also ensuring the driveway is a minimum of 11 metres away from the junction within Slieau Curn Park.
6.4 It is proposed to install a drainage channel within the driveway to ensure no surface water runoff runs out onto the highway.
6.5 It is proposed to widen the dropped kerb area to be in line with the widened driveway. All these works will be undertaken under a Section 109A agreement with highways.
6.6 It is proposed that the new driveway covering and any patio laid is permeable material to assist with surface water drainage.
6.7 Pre application consultation has been undertaken with Highways Department to ensure the proposed driveway widening meets requirements and restrictions as outlined within the Manual For Manx Roads.
7.0 Relocating of the Street Sign
7.1 The existing Slieau Curn Park street sign at the junction with Main Road is positioned within the site of the applicant. It is proposed that this is relocated to outside of the boundary and new fencing. Indicative proposed positioning is shown on drawing 20180PL02.
7.2 It is proposed the relocation will be undertaken under the Section 109A agreement.
8.0 Conclusion
8.1 The proposed shed, greenhouse, driveway widening and fencing are carefully considered improvements to the site and surrounding streetscape.
8.2 It is felt that the proposal aligns with the relevant policies of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016, and adheres to the principles outlined in the Isle of Man Residential Design Guidance 2021.
8.3 Given the compliance with planning policies and the sensitive design approach, it is respectfully submitted that the proposed development should be granted planning permission.
8.4 This planning statement demonstrates the careful consideration given to the design, scale, and impact of the proposal, ensuring it is both practical for the residents and respectful of its surroundings.
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