24 February 2012 · Delegated
Cronk-Y-Scotty, Coast Road, Jurby, Isle Of Man, IM7 3et
Permission was granted for the Phase 5 extension of an existing sand pit at Cronk-Y-Scotty, Coast Road, Jurby, Isle of Man. The proposal involved further sand extraction at a site forming part of the coastal sand dunes, with gently sloping topography running from the south-east down to the north-west boundary. The officer report noted that the existing sandpit is not visible from the foreshore, meaning the operational works are not apparent to those viewing the site from the coast. The application was approved on 24 February 2012 with six conditions attached. The decision was made by the Development Control Manager under delegated authority. There is a planning history of at least three previous applications at this site.
The application was approved by the Development Control Manager under delegated authority on 24 February 2012. Permission was granted for the Phase 5 extension of the existing sand pit, allowing further extraction to proceed at the coastal dune site.
The countryside and its ecology will be protected for its own sake
Area Plan for the East sets out locally-applicable means for implementing the policies set out in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016. In that Strategic Plan, we find the Environment Policies. Environment Policy 1 states: 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. Maintaining the purpose of this Area Plan as a means of implementation, there is some further direction to be found in the Strategic Plan, at paragraph 7.2.1: 'Whilst landscape and coastal change is inevitable, and in some cases desirable, the emphasis must be on the appropriateness of this change and the balance or equity between the needs of conservation and those of development. The primary goal must therefore be to respect, maintain and enhance the natural and cultural environment including nature conservation and landscape and coastal quality, and ensure its protection from inappropriate development.' Given the comprehensive nature of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan's Environmental Policies, only a small number of additional Proposals and Recommendations are necessary. In order to produce an implementable Area Plan for the East it is necessary to recognise those statutory desig nations and strategies which whilst having an Island-wide scope are highly relevant to the protection of environments within the Plan Area. An example is the UNESCO Biosphere status afforded to the Isle of Man. Island-level strategies identify crossborder issues and take account of the cumulative impacts of human engagement with nature. Area Plan Objectives i. To protect, conserve and enhance the natural and cultural environment of the plan area and promote biodiversity. ii. To improve the function, usability and provision of our green infrastructure and public spaces by providing a network of green spaces and features which are connected and where possible, accessible to the public. iii. To manage and improve flood risk and improve drainage conditions. iv. To support the working countryside and its custodians in maintaini ng a sustainable rural economy. Area Plan Desired Outcomes i. Where approved, d evelopment will be ecologically sustainable and designed to protect and where possible enhance biodiversity as well as mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. ii. The Green Infrastructure network will be established and fostered, connecting people with nature in a way that achieves the best shared outcomes for the urban and natural environment. iii. Statutory and non-statutory designations will continue to provide protection to the most important and most vulnerable cultural assets, habitats and environments in the plan area. iv. Beyond the towns and villages, the area as a whole will retain its landscape setting including its important visual interaction with the central uplands, central valley, coast and marine environment. Natural Environment Proposal 1 The Department supports the protection, creation and improvement of green infrastructure in the East, particularly in those locations which have the potential to be part of a Green Infrastructure Network. Applications for development must take into account any approved Government Green Infrastructure Strategies, but in any case, must identify how development proposals intend to contribute to the long term provision of a network of connected green spaces. UNESCO Biosphere In 2017, the Isle of Man became the first ever entire nation to achieve UNESCO Biosphere status. Project partners pledge to take steps to protect natural resources, develop the economy in a sustainable way and promote outstanding living landscapes. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are established to connect people and the economy with nature, wildlife, culture, heritage and communities. Biosphere Reserves have three functions: Conservation: to contribute to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation. Development: to foster economic and human development which is socio -culturally and ecologically sustainable. Logistic support: to support demonstration projects, environmental education and training, research and monitoring related to local, regional, national and global issues of conservation and sustainable development. The Isle of Man Biosphere is zoned into six areas . Examples of all of these can be found in the Eastern area: Terrestrial Core areas, Marine Core areas, Terrestrial Buffer zone, Marine Buffer zone, Terrestrial Transition areas and Marine Transition areas. There is some overlap with The Isle of Man's First Biodiversity Strategy 2015-20
Development involving the winning and working of minerals
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This approval relates to the extension (Phase 5) of existing sand pit for extraction as proposed in the submitted documents and drawing 10/2330/06 all received on 4th October 2011.
Condition 3
Prior to the commencement of any works associated with the extraction from the area hereby approved, as annotated 5 on drawing no. 10/2330/06, a scheme for landscaping and recolonization of all areas of extraction, within the area defined by the red line on drawing no. 10/2330/06, with natural vegetation must be submitted to and agreed by the Planning Authority.
Condition 4
All planting, seeding or turfing comprised in the approved details of landscaping and recolonisation must be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the cessation of extraction works, in accordance with a phasing scheme to be submitted and approved by the Planning Authority. Any vegetation which within a period of five years from the completion of extraction from the area hereby approved, as annotated 5 on drawing no. 10/2330/06, which dies, is removed or becomes seriously damaged must be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar species.
Condition 5
Prior to the commencement of any works associated with the extraction from the area hereby approved, as annotated 5 on drawing no. 10/2330/06, the proposed 1 metre high post and wire fence is to be erected around the boundaries, as annotated 5 on drawing no. 10/2330/06.
Condition 6
Stockpiles of extracted sand may only be stored within areas previously extracted, or within locations to be agreed in writing with the Planning Authority.
