Erection of replacement stables

Area of High Landscape Value

The site falls within an area not zoned for any kind of development on the Braddan Local Plan of 1991; by virtue of this designation, it is also defined as an Area of High Landscape Value as per Policy 13.3

h west of Johnny Watterson's Lane Site Numbers Site Name/Description Site Size See Maps Land Use Allocation DM001s, DH002s, DH057s, DH003s and DH010s Northwest of Johnny Watterson's Lane 13.32, 7, 23.54 ha, 14.80, 0.43, 0.06 3, 4, 6, 8 Strategic Reserve - Predominantly Residential Inquiry Report comment (paragraph 302) "The scale of their potential development would probably be excessive in relation to the immediate need for additional housing. Accordingly, I consider that they should be shown in the Area Plan as Strategic Reserve Sites. Their combined gross area is about 58ha. Applying discounts to allow for roads and structural landscaping, and for the provision of community facilities, including recreational open space, a neighbourhood centre and a primary school site, that should leave a potential developable area of more than 30ha. At a density of 20dpha, there would be space for approximately 600 dwellings." Development Brief 1. The sites would provide for a sustainable urban extension to Douglas. Their development potential is significant and provides an opportunity to create a new community. 2. They shall be developed in accordance with a Masterplan for the whole of the urban extension area. This would include details of proposed phasing; areas of public open space; arrangements for safe access; sustainable transport options which recognise the need to encourage active travel; substantial structural landscaping buffers; and consideration of appropriate community facilities, including a primary school, health care provision, retail facilities, and recreational open space. 3. The combined developme nt should include provision for about 600 dwellings, and consideration should be given to the inclusion of specialist housing for elderly people. 4. The main access points to the development shall be from Johnny Watterson's Lane. 5. The public footpath that crosses part of the site must be integrated into the proposed development. 6. Development proposals must take account of the sloping nature of the land and any detailed planning applications must include section drawings across the site. 7. An Environmental Impact Assessment shall be submitted with any application for development of this site. Land to the north of Vicarage Road Site Numbers Site Name/Description Site Size See Maps Land Use Allocation BH015s and BH019s Woodstock and Fairway and Hilltop Nurseries, Vicarage Road 0.48 ha, 0.62 ha 3, 4 Strategic Reserve - Predominantly Residential Land to the southwest of Ellenbrook Estate Inquiry Report comment (paragraph 441) "On balance, I consider that these sites should be treated as a strategic reserve for residential development in the Area Plan. A development brief should require that they be developed together in accordance with a masterplan; that access should be from the existing roundabout adjacent to site BH019; and that the sites should provide an a ggregate of about 15 dwellings." Development Brief 1. The two sites would provide for a strategic reserve for residential development. 2. They shall be developed in accordance with a Masterplan for the whole of the site. This should include details of proposed phasing , areas of public open space and landscaping, arrangements for safe access and sustainable transport options which recognise the need to encourage active travel. 3. The combined development should include provision for no more than around 15 dwellings. 4. The access to the development shall be from the existing roundabout adjacent to Site BH019. 5. An application must be accompanied by suitable supporting environmental information. Site Number Site Name/Description Site Size See Maps Land Use Allocation DH008s Land adjacent to Ellenbrook, Douglas 5.41 ha 3, 4 Strategic Reserve - Predominantly Residential Inquiry Report comment (paragraph 466) "Development of this site would undoubtedly result in a loss of countryside, and have a visual impact which some local residents may find regrettable. However, in my view, it would have considerable advantages in terms of sustainability. I recommend that Site DH008 should be shown in the Area Plan as strategic reserve land for possible future residential development." Development Brief 1. The site shall be used for predominantly residential uses. 2. There are no other specific development brief requirements associated with this site as adequate guidance is set out by the Isle of Man Strategic Plan Policies and the Proposals set out in this Plan. Land north of Ballachrink, Onchan Site Number Site Name/Description Site Size See Maps Land Use Allocation OH011s Land at Ballachrink, Onchan 9.9 ha 3, 4 and 6 Strategic Reserve - Predominantly Residential Inquiry Report comment (paragraph 330) "I do not consider that this extension to the urban area of Onchan would be immediately necessary. However, in my view, Site OH011 could contribute to the provision of ad

Environment Policy 1

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

Environment Policy 2

d/Governor 's Road junction. Any future applications will be considered on their merits taking into account the proposals set out in this plan and the Strategic Plan (see Maps 3 and 6). Natural Environment Proposal 2 (Green Gap) Between the settlements of Douglas and Onchan in the area straddling Blackberry Lane, development which would erode the separation and detract from the openness between the settlements will not normally be supported. Applications may be considered favourably if reason for an exception can be demonstrated in line with General Policy 3(g). Laxey and Baldrine - Encroaching ribbon development along the A2 C oast Road which connects Laxey and Baldrine has the potential to connect the two settlements. At present this area largely retains its sense of being in the open countryside with clear sea views. Additionally, services for networked water supply and other essential utilities would be difficult to provide for additional development in this area (see Maps 3, 7 and 9). Natural Environment Proposal 3 (Green Gap) Between the settlements of Laxey and Baldrine, development which would erode the separation and detract from the openness between the settlements will not be supported. Glen Vine and Crosby - These two settlements, although proximate in location, are separate and distinct in many ways. Consultation has clearly demonstrated this through the views expressed during the stages of plan development. In cases such as this, the breaks in the urban fabric and the features of nature which provide a sense of openness should be protected from development which would erode this (see Maps 3 and 10). Natural Environment Proposal 4 (Green Gap) Between the settlements of Glen Vine and Crosby, development which would erode the separation and detract from the openness between the settlements is unlikely to be supported. Douglas, Union Mills and Strang (see Maps 3, 4 and 8) Natural Environment Proposal 5 (Green Gap) Between the settlements of and Douglas, Union Mills and Strang, development which would erode the separation and detract from the openness between the settlements is unlikely to be supported. The Upland Environment The Manx Uplands are an iconic part of our landscape and heritage. Reference to the 'sweet mountain air' and 'green hills and rocks' are enshrined in our national anthem and the colours of the heather and gorse are woven into the very fabric of Manx tartan. The hills are a place of great beauty, yet for some they are also a place to work and for others a place to exercise or simply enjoy open space. Our Uplands are also home to plants and animals that whilst familiar to us, are rare and impor tant in a global and European context. Furthermore, the uplands are a rich repository of cultural and archaeological remains, which are sensitive to change and can easily be damaged by inappropriate development. Production of food is an important and obvi ous function of hill land. But surprisingly, the Manx hills provide everyday functions that most people take for granted. Peatlands, which cover most of our hills reduce the impacts of climate change by locking up carbon dioxide, collect and filter our drinking water and slow the passage of rainfall into streams and rivers, thus reducing downstream flood risk. These multiple uses are of great benefit to the economy of the Isle of Man and the well - being of its people. It is important that the hills continue to provide these benefits long into the future. Ensuring sustainable management of such a wide range of uses to the satisfaction of all interested parties whilst retaining functions essential to the well -being of the Isle of Man is of paramount importance. The Isle of Man Government is the owner and landlord for the majority of the Uplands in the East region and is therefore in a position to implement policy which will deliver the optimum range of ecosystem services. Appropriate and positive Upland management such as controlled rotational burning/cutting of heather and low intensity grazing helps to reduce the fuel load of the hill, provides firebreaks and reduces the risk of unplanned wildfires that further protects the biodiversity of the site, but also the vast amounts of carbon locked away in the peat soils. The majority of this work is carried out by The Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture's grazing and shooting tenants. The Manx Uplands are critically important from a habitat and biodiversity perspective. The hills in the East support a significant number of breeding hen harriers; however, other native Upland breeding birds such as curlew and red grouse have suffered severe declines in recent decades and as such are of high conservation concern. Strict control of access and recreational activity on vulnerable soils should be implemented to reduce soil erosion and subsequent carbon loss. Curlew and hen harriers are recognised as an internationally important species, while (within the EU) upland heather moorland is designated

Environment Policy 19

Environment Policy 19: Development of equestrian activities and buildings will only be accepted in the countryside where there will be as a result of such development no loss in local amenity, no loss of high quality agricultural land (Classes 1 and 2) and where the local highway network can satisfactorily accommodate any increase in traffic (see Environment Policy 14 for interpretation of Class 1 and 2).

Environment Policy 21

Environment Policy 21: Buildings for the stabling, shelter or care of horses or other animals will not be permitted in the countryside if they would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the countryside in terms of siting, design, size or finish. Any new buildings must be designed in form and materials to reflect their specific purpose; in particular, cavity-wall construction should not be used. 7.16 Environmental Protection - Introduction 7.16.1 T here are many fac ets of environmental protection which have land use implications including pollution, unstable land, contaminated land and flooding. In terms of pollution, whilst it is the role of the planning system to determine whether a development is an acceptable use of land rather than seeking to control the processes or substances used in any particular development, it is important that the Planning Directorate operates alongside other agencies such as the Environment Safety and Health Directorate whic h has statutory responsibilities regarding environmental protection, and the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate, The Isle of Man Water Authority, the Department of Transport and the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry. 7.17 Pollution 7.17.1 It is important to protect the environment and quality of life by controlling development which would lead to unacceptable levels of water pollution, air pollution and other nuisances such as noise and smells. However, it is not the role of land us e planning to duplicate controls which are the statutory responsibility of other agencies including other directorates within the Department of Local Government and the Environment. It is the intention of the following policy to prevent development which would unacceptably impact upon current and future land uses through the effects of pollution.