9 July 2008 · Planning Committee
Telford Cottage, Leodest Road, Andreas, Isle Of Man, IM7 3eg
The proposal involved amendments to a previously approved renovation and extension of Leodest Cottage, a two-storey detached dwelling in Andreas, comprising a new front porch, change from natural to artificial slate roofing, and replacement of timber sliding sash windows with uPVC versions.
Click a button above to find applications similar to this one.
See how this application compares to similar ones — policies, conditions, and outcomes side by side.
The Planning Committee overturned the officer's recommendation to approve, determining that replacement of existing timber windows with uPVC windows would be unacceptable due to the traditional appear…
Environment Policy 34
Policy ENV34 protects the character of traditional buildings. The Committee found the uPVC windows failed this test due to the cottage's traditional appearance, despite officer view that non-conservation status allowed it. Objections emphasised need for timber replication.
No objection
Do not oppose
Note received; recommends smoke detection but no planning objection
Highways Division and Andreas Parish Commissioners raised no objections to the application, while a neighbour and heritage consultant expressed concerns over materials and design details; Fire Service provided a standard safety recommendation for a different application.
Key concern: PVC windows on this very special vernacular Manx Cottage
Highways Division
No ObjectionDo not oppose
Andreas Parish Commissioners
No Objectionhave no objections thereto
Andreas Parish Commissioners
No Commentdo not wish to add to their comments and views as submitted at the initial stage, but request that those comments and views are taken into consideration at the Appeal
Ian K Bleasdale
ObjectionWe are VERY CONCERNED about this property; this exceptionally un-altered, vernacular Manx Cottage should be Scheduled; We feel it ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL that this condition be maintained; They should be timber, joiner-made, to exactly replicate the originals
Conditions requested: timber, joiner-made, to exactly replicate the originals
Beastie Dovey
Conditional No Objectionthe stone work of the building is an exceptional example of skill and workmanship in traditional domestic masonry; a rendered pointed 'nose' sticking out of the front would not detract from this?; UPVC and not timber on the original house?-again, I feel uncomfortable about this; Condition 5 of the Planning approval of 4th June 07 stated that "the existing wall which forms the boundary between the garden and the Leodest Road must be retained. For the avoidance of doubt this includes the existing stone pillars."
Conditions requested: stone built porch; timber windows; the existing wall which forms the boundary between the garden and the Leodest Road must be retained. For the avoidance of doubt this includes the existing stone pillars
Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service
Conditional No ObjectionThe installation of mains wired, interconnected domestic smoke detection conforming to BS 5446: Part 1: 2000, and installed to conform with BS 5839: Part 6: 1995, is recommended in accordance with Section 1 of the Building Regulations 2000 - Approved Document B.
Conditions requested: The installation of mains wired, interconnected domestic smoke detection conforming to BS 5446: Part 1: 2000, and installed to conform with BS 5839: Part 6: 1995
The original application for amendments to approved development 07/00244B, comprising renovation, extensions, porch, artificial slate roof, and UPVC sliding sash windows, was recommended for approval by the Planning Officer but refused by the Planning Committee due to UPVC windows harming the traditional character contrary to ENV Policy 34. The appellant argued UPVC provides maintenance benefits while mimicking traditional sliding sash design and complies with policy flexibility. The inspector, after site visit and examining a window sample, found no significant harm from UPVC or other changes, agreeing with the Planning Officer that the property's non-registered, non-conservation status allows flexibility under ENV 34. The Minister accepted the recommendation, granting permission subject to conditions including detailed porch drawings and retention of boundary wall.
Precedent Value
Demonstrates that UPVC can be acceptable on non-designated traditional cottages if high-quality mimicking traditional design, especially with Planning Officer support and physical evidence; future applicants should provide samples and stress policy does not prohibit alternatives.
Inspector: David G Hollis
