Circular 2/88 Conversion Flats
Appendix 6
The Town and Country Planning Acts 1934-1981 The Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Development Plan) Order 1982 The Conversion of Buildings into Flats
This Circular is issued by the Department of Local Government and the Environment in pursuance of the powers vested in it by Section 5 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1934 and Article 11(2)(a)(vi) of the Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Development Plan) Order 1982.
- 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 Planning Committee has for many years encouraged the conversion of such buildings, where appropriate, into flats.
- The size, layout, occupancy, etc., of flats are controlled by the Housing (Flats) Regulations. However, all flats should also have a good external environment, characterised by -
a) a pleasant, clear outlook, particularly from the principal room(s) of the flat; and
b) access to external space for the purpose of clothes-drying, refuse storage, car-parking, and general amenity.
- 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. Where it is reasonable and practical so to do, the Planning Committee will require the demolition, in total or in part, of such "outlets". Such demolition will
a) remove accommodation which has a poor environment and limited outlook; b) permit the creation of parking space; and c) assist in admitting light and air to the rear of the building proper.
Where such demolition is not so required, the accommodation must 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".
- Applicants considering converting buildings into flats are advised to consult the Department's Planning Officer to discuss the likelihood of such requirements before commissioning detailed plans.
