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The application site is the curtilage of Ballakaighen Farm, Whitebridge Road, Onchan. The site is currently used for a number of activities such as Laser Blast, children’s play areas and a maize maze, although some of these uses are unauthorised.
The application seeks approval for the erection of advertising signage at the entrance to Ballakaighen Farm. The signage would be fitted either side of the entrance to the farm. The signs would measure
approximately and would be constructed of metal or PVC. The back ground would be white, with yellow and black writing.
The following previous planning application is considered specifically material in the assessment of the current application: PA 05/00326/B Conversion of barns to an activity centre with car parking, drive widening and entrance alterations. The above application was permitted.
The application site is within an area zoned as "Open Space" identified on the Onchan Local Plan 2000. It is appropriate to consider General Policy 8 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007).
Highways Division do not object as it has no adverse traffic management, parking or road safety implications. Onchan Commissioners recommend that the application be approved. The owners/occupiers of Sunnyside, Whitebridge Road, Onchan have made the following comments: "The signs have already been in situ for several weeks without permission and find them to be unsightly, situated directly opposite the living room window. Should they be deemed acceptable they should be placed several yards along the hedgerow in each direction so they are no longer visible from my home." The owner/occupier of 33 Ballaquark, Douglas has made the following comments: "When did this farm become a "fun farm" I cannot recall a change of use. One of the many delights of the Manx Countryside is the overall absence of roadside signage and advertising. These signs will be visually intrusive on a country road."
Given the nature of the application it is appropriate to consider General Policy 8, which states: "Within rural areas the display of external advertisements will be permitted only where:
The application seeks approval for the erection of signage either side of the entrance to Ballakaighen Farm. The signage would be metal or PVC and would be bolted to the existing walls, the writing would be standard text and would be yellow and black.
The entrance to Ballakaighen Farm is adjacent to Whitebridge Road, and is visible whilst travelling along Whitebridge Road towards Onchan and in the other direction towards Baldrine.
Although the signage would not be constructed of traditional materials, it is considered that the signage would not adversely affect the character and appearance of the countryside, and would be in keeping with the nature of the business.
The signs would not be illuminated, and it is judged that the proposed signage would not cause a highways safety hazard.
For the above reasons the application is considered to be acceptable and is recommended for approval.
The local authority is, by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5) (c) and (d), considered an "interested person" and as such should be afforded party status.
The owners/occupiers of Sunnyside, Whitebridge Road, Onchanare afforded party status. The Department of Transport Highways and Traffic Division is now part of the Department of Infrastructure of which the planning authority is part. As such, the Highways and Traffic Division cannot be afforded party status in this instance.
The owner/occupier of 33 Ballaquark is not afforded party status.
Recommended Decision: Permitted
Date of Recommendation: 10.01.2011
C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
C 2. This permission relates to the erection of entrance signage as shown in drawings AC-ES/1 and ACES/2 received 24th November 2010.
I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to the Senior Planning Officer.
Decision Made : Permitted Date : Signed : Senior Planning Officer
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