15 August 2018 · Delegated
Bulk Gas Storage Installation, Balthane Industrial Estate, Balthane, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 2al
Haven Homes Ltd applied for permission to demolish the existing gas store at the former Bulk Gas Storage Installation, Balthane Industrial Estate, Ballasalla. The proposal also included levelling the site, constructing retaining walls, and using the land for the medium-term storage of site vehicles, containers, and building materials. The site retains a mound that previously housed gas cylinders, which is visible from Balthane Road, and the existing access was gated off at the time of assessment. The application was approved by delegation on 15 August 2018, with three conditions attached to the permission.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture approved the application on 15 August 2018. The decision was made by delegation and the officer also recommended approval. Three conditions were attached to the permission.
General Policy 2
Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted
General Policy 2: Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development: (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea; (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; (j) can be provided with all necessary services; (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; (l) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption. 6.3 Development outside of areas zoned for development
Business Policy 5
On land zoned for industrial use, permission will be given only for industrial development or for storage and distribution
Business Policy 5: On land zoned for industrial use, permission will be given only for industrial development or for storage and distribution; retailing will not be permitted except where either: (a) the items to be sold could not reasonably be sold from a town centre location because of their size or nature; or (b) the items to be sold are produced on the site and their sale could not reasonably be severed from the overall business; and, in respect of (a) or (b), where it can be demonstrated that the sales would not detract from the vitality and viabil ity of the appropriate town centre shopping area. 9.2.7 Where industrial development is proposed, it is essential that all parking and manoeuvring by vehicles which will be generated by the use of the site can be accommodated within the site and off the highway. This is particularly important within industrial estates where lack of parking and manoeuvring space can create significant difficulties for other estate users, particularly where the use of large and articulated vehicles is involved. Where mezzani ne levels are proposed after a building has been completed, the Department may require more parking space to accommodate the additional traffic which would be generated. The standards of parking provision which will be required are set out in Appendix 7. 9.2.8 Local requirements for industrial development of a particular sort will be identified during the preparation of Area Plans. The Department is aware that, within some parts of the Island, there is a demand for small "starter units".
Condition 1
This approval relates to the use of the site for the storage of construction equipment, vehicles and materials until 31st December, 2027. Reason: the application seeks permission for the temporary use of the site only.
Condition 2
The height of stored material may not exceed 5.2m in height. Reason: to control the height of stored material in the interests of the visual amenities of the area.
Condition 3
Prior to the site levelling works or the retaining wall hereby approved being commenced, a method statement detailing how those works shall be undertaken shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. Reason: to allow DEFA to provide advice on a suitable approach, in order to reduce the possibility of injury or disturbance of fish downstream of the proposed site in the Ronaldsburn stream and coastal ASSI.
Planning Approval in Principle has been issued for the erection of 11 units on the site
subsequently 16/00423/A. The earlier application sought approval for only light industrial units, but this was expanded by condition to "light industrial and/or general industrial and/or storage and distribution"