Supporting Information Statement

10 00588

SUPPORTING INFORMATION STATEMENT - BALLAMOOAR FARMHOUSE, BRIDE.

Location & Existing Building

The existing farmhouse is located on a prominent plot of land on the outskirts of Bride and can be clearly seen from the road when approaching the Ayres. The house is of traditional Manx Farmhouse design and is built of brickwork with a painted render finish to the walls and a natural slate finish to the roof. It has an approximate 22 APR 2010 floor area of 210 square metres, set over two floors, including the external store and cat run. Planning approval was granted in 2005 for the erection of a Poly tunnel image of the fields adjacent to the farmhouse.

The existing farmhouse hasn't been extended since it was originally built and as such gives very little flexibility for the use of the internal spaces.

Proposals

Our proposals are to include a two-storey extension to either gable of the existing house with a single storey Sun Lounge to the west of the existing. As the house is situated on a large plot of land it will easily accommodate the extensions without reducing the surrounding garden area significantly.

In order to maintain the balance of the property as viewed from the Ayres road we are proposing a 4.2m wide extension to either side. This width is exactly half the depth of the existing house and will ensure the existing roof pitch and height match the existing house. We appreciate this gives an overall increase in floor area slightly above the recommendations of Housing Policy 15 of the Strategic Plan however feel this is required to maintain the appearance of the prominent South East elevation from the highway. A couple of examples of extensions which maintain the 50% increase are included on drawing number 2009/36/06 however we feel none of these would result in a satisfactory solution when viewed from the road.

The extension to the North East will provide additional living accommodation comprising of a lounge, bedroom and bathroom, which may be used by the client's elderly parents. This will enable the client to provide support when required whilst still maintaining a certain degree of independence for the parents. Access will be provided between the existing house and extension at ground and first floor levels.

The extension to the South West will provide space for leisure facilities at ground floor level comprising of a small gym area for exercise bikes and treadmills with a sauna and wetroom facility. At first floor level Dressing rooms and reasonable sized En-suite facilities off the existing bedrooms will be provided. A sun lounge will be incorporated at the South West corner to take advantage of the spectacular views down the coast and across the hills.

Summary

Whilst our proposals are slightly over the recommendations of Housing Policy 15 we feel that the extensions to either side maintain the balance of the property when viewed from the road and are accommodated within the site comfortably.