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The application is before the Planning Committee as the proposal could be considered as contrary to the provisions of the Development Plan.
The application site represents the curtilage of field 132696, Narradale, Sulby which is a parcel of agricultural land located on the western side of the Narradale Road and south east of Sulby Village.
The site is access via the Narradale Road which starts opposite the Ginger Hall Pub in Sulby, in a southerly direction up the hillside through the hamlet of properties at Narradale to an area known as "Cronkgarroo". The Narradale Road (no through road) gradually decreases in road quality, from a tarmac surface to a gravel surface which has a number of ruts and potholes.
This application seeks approval for the erection of a meteorological wind monitoring mast for a period of 24 months. The mast (tubular steel sections) would have a total height of 80.2 metres, a maximum diameter of 0.25 metres at the base, which gradually decrease to 0.2 metres in diameter. The mast would be stabilised by a footplate anchored with pins and a total of 7 sets (4 guys per set) of 6mm diameter galvanised steel guy wires, having a maximum spread of 50 metres from the mast.
The applicant has indicated that all the components of the mast will be delivered by 4x4 vehicle and trailer. Erection of the mast will take one to two days. The mast is a self contained unit and requires no external power supply.
The applicants have indicated that the mast is needed:
“...to collect site specific data to determine the detailed wind characteristics in terms of average wind speed, direction and distribution, to allow the technical and financial viability of the site to be verified. The resulting data both proves the site wind resource and allows good long term predictions to be made. This data and prediction is essential for matching the correct wind generation equipment to the site and to secure the finances required should this ultimately be pursued. It is our intent to use the data to substantiate any further submission that we may make in relation to the IOM Government Expression of Interest process for potential wind energy on the island, which commenced late 2010 and to which Gaoh Energy are participating in.”
The application site is within an area recognised as being an area of “white land” under the Isle of Man Development Order 1982. The site is not within a Conservation Area; nor within an area zoned as High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance.
Relevant policies include:
Due to the site location, zoning and the type of proposal, the following policies are relevant for consideration:
Policy 3: Development will not be permitted outside of those areas which are zoned for development on the appropriate Area Plan with the exception of:
Policy 1: The countryside and its ecology will be protected for its own sake. For the purposes of this policy, the countryside comprises all land which is outside the settlements defined in Appendix 3 at A.3.6 or which is not designated for future development on an Area Plan. Development which
would adversely affect the countryside will not be permitted unless there is an over-riding national need in land use planning terms which outweighs the requirement to protect these areas and for which there is no reasonable and acceptable alternative"
"Energy
Policy 1: Proposals for the provision of energy supply facilities or development arising as incidental to such facilities will be expected to comply with all other policies of this Plan to ensure that any effect on the environment is minimised whilst ensuring that the community's needs for energy are satisfied."
"Energy
Policy 4: Development involving alternative sources of energy supply, including wind, water and tide power, and the use of solar panels, will be judged against the environmental objectives and policies set out in this Plan. Installations involving wind, water and tide power will require the submission of an EIA."
There are no previous planning applications which are considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application.
Lezayre Parish Commissioners have objected on the following grounds:-
"The commissioners feel that the information supplied within the application is rather vague. Could more information please be supplied to identify what it is for, and the long term need for this mast."
The Department of Transport Highways and Traffic Division:-
"Do not oppose."
Manx National Heritage have commented on the application which can be summarised as; proposal being 80 metres in height with guy cables holding it in place up to 50 metres are likely to add to the visual impact; MNH recognises that there is a need to assess the potential for renewable energy generation and other such structures for other sites is possible, so a cumulative impact of these masts should be considered; robust conditions should be attached to ensure the dismantling of the mast within a prescribed period; they presume that the mast is a possible precursor to a wind generation scheme in the area, MNH asks the Committee to consider the potential long term effect of such structures on the Manx landscape; and the approval of a single temporary mast should not be taken as a precedent for the acceptability of a number of more permanent turbines.
The owner/occupier of Lheaney Ballakerka, Clenagh Road, Sulby has objected to the application which can be summarised as; further information required for the use and need; and the site is on skyline when viewed from Sulby and would be very conspicuous and would be an intrusion on the landscape.
The main issue which need consideration is the potential visual impacts the proposed mast would have upon the character and quality of the landscape.
The applicants have indicated they chosen this site due to its elevated position as the site will have a good wind resource (but one which needs to be verified and understood). They also indicated that the site is remote from residential areas with only 3 houses within a kilometre of the site boundary and the topography of the surrounding area would form a degree of physical barrier in terms of visual impact, if the site was ultimately considered for a wind energy project.
In terms of the visual appearance of the mast from public views there are views from the following areas:-
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