Manx National Heritage has lost its battle to prevent a two-story extension being added to a house in Cregneash.

But DLGE Minister John Rimington says he will only allow the work to go ahead if the design is amended to fit in with the local area.

Cregville at Cregneash had been given permission for the extension, but Manx National Heritage objected because the building is in a National Heritage Area.

Although planning inspector Andrew Kriby recommended the appeal be allowed and the planning committee’s decision overturned, Mr Rimington said there is a need for family accommodation in Rushen.

He said it was important to keep Cregneash as a viable rural community and so would allow the development to take place.

But he added the rear gable of the house needed redesigning and a traditional chimney stack fitted.