8 January 2024 · Applicant (Steve Blackford, Head of Properties, Manx National Heritage)
Laxey Wheel, Wheel Hill, Laxey, Isle Of Man, IM4 7nl
The application sought consent for demolition works associated with PA 23/01321/B, which proposed a new building at the Laxey Wheel site in Mines Road, Laxey, to serve as a visitor entrance hub, staff accommodation, and administration space, replacing the existing visitor entrance kiosk.
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The applicant withdrew the application following a site meeting with Planning Officer Vanessa Porter on 21 December 2023, where she outlined concerns that the proposal would not comply with key polici…
Environment Policy 35
Requires development in Conservation Areas to preserve or enhance character and appearance, protecting special features. Officer assessed the modern design and massing as failing to enhance Laxey Conservation Area and harming the site's heritage character.
Environment Policy 40
Prohibits development damaging, disturbing, or detracting from important archaeological sites, Ancient Monuments, or their settings. Proposal's siting close to Laxey Wheel would detract from the monument's setting per officer view.
Environmental Policy 39
Cited in objection as breached by proposal not enhancing Conservation Area; officer concerns align with failure to respect heritage environs.
Environment Policy 41
Requires archaeological evaluation for sites affecting important archaeological or Ancient Monument settings; objector noted absence of evaluation.
Multiple public representations and one parish commissioner response object to the proposed visitor entrance building at Laxey Wheel due to its inappropriate design, colour, and impact on the heritage setting of the Scheduled Ancient Monument and Conservation Area.
Key concern: inappropriate design and colour of proposed building out of character with heritage setting of Laxey Wheel
Garff Commissioners
ObjectionThe consensus was that the proposed building was of poor design quality and was out of character with the integrity of this important heritage site.; The Board resolved to Object to the proposals and encourage MNH to bring forward a design that more appropriately respects the heritage value of the Laxey Wheel.
Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust
Objectionthe appearance and colour of the proposed building is completely out of character for one of the Island's foremost tourist attractions and heritage sites.; Accordingly, the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust wishes to register its objection to this planning application.
2 Glen View (resident)
ObjectionLaxey Wheel is the “Stonehenge” of the Isle of Man in importance.; The removal of the turnstile also would be vandalism, this being the last glen site in the Isle of Man where such structures were in common use where such a turnstile still exists.; a design that is more akin to a blue (a colour totally alien to the wheel and its casing) portaloo block; The proposal does not enhance the Conservation Area of Laxey and therefore is contrary to Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 Environment Policies 35 and 39; does not contain an archaeological evaluation both contrary to Environment Policies 40 and 41.
Isle of Man Victorian Society
No CommentA plan is required properly showing the location of the gates in relation to the ramp and the proposed building and an elevational drawing showing the gates which will probably have to be taken down and repositioned; How, otherwise would adjoining land owners know if they would be affected by noise, smell or dust if the purpose of the rooms were not shown ?; confirmation as to whether the staff accommodation includes sanitary facilities for the staff as there isn’t any notation about foul drainage
