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Client: Mr G Coleman Project: Proposed Horticultural Nursery, Field 134801, Clenagh Road, Lezayre Proposal: Development of a Horticultural Nursery for the growing of Bedding, Fruit & Vegetable Produce for Commercial Sale.
Mr Coleman purchased the land from the Local Authority with the intention of growing produce for his own and external commercial sale. Since the existing land area was wet and overgrown with largely self-seeded willows and scrub, works were undertaken by him to introduce land drainage, clear the poorly draining existing field perimeter trenches. Within the site itself, the ground was cleared, tilled and sections opened out to introduce allow more sunlight in and create natural wind breaks. Manx flowers and rescue planting were introduced with the result that the whole land area has blossomed and an abundance of wildlife has been encouraged to what is now an 'Oasis' of growth.
In consultation with the DOT Roads Inspectorate, the existing field gate access was widened to create a safe, usable access off the Clenagh Road.
Unfortunately, our Client did not initially realize that the Planning permission was required for Horticultural Use activity on the site, on discovering this after a visit from the Department's Enforcement Officer, an application was lodged. This, however, was refused largely on the grounds of a lack of information.
Further to discussions with the Planning Department, it was proposed that rather than the Appeal, the decision, it would be sensible to arrange a site meeting to discuss the works that had taken place, the future aims, and the needs of the owner and then prepare a new application that could fully address the site issues/proposals as a whole.
However, it should be noted that the original reasons for refusal were as follows:
Refusal reasoning have been discussed/addressed on site with Angela Georgeson & the Northern Roads Inspectorate for the Dept of Infrastructure. The access was an existing one and by virtue of the widening/improvement including visibility splays is much safer than the original narrower access to the field for agricultural/horticultural vehicles.
Firstly, the access is not a new one and is recorded as being well established and is indicated on the 1865 map. Secondly, the removal of the overgrown entrance area and creation of hard standing has not in our opinion been detrimental, but in fact brought a new lease of life to the whole section of land. Overgrown natural plants have resurfaced and are thriving, along with those planted by the Owners. The whole area is thriving with new wildlife including birds, bees, and amphibian life in the cleared water courses/ponds.
The wildlife habitats have been improved and the willows, etc. pruned/clipped, which has resulted in an abundance of newer healthier growth.
ARCHITECTURE
INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS PROJECT SAFETY
The works have been carried to an excellent standard with the aim of encouraging natural / cultivated vegetation growth & an environment for the long term improvement of wildlife & habitats.
Various meetings have been held on site with DAFF, Health & Safety and the Department of Infrastructure to overcome the existing concerns and put in place the items necessary to create a long term proposal for the site use as a Horticultural Nursery. The plants are already sold on to many local shops, gardens and other Nurseries, as well as individuals through private orders and the local markets. The Nursery business is now known locally as "Y Gharrey Nursery" for Bedding & Vegetable Plant Sales.
Several letters and correspondence showing support are enclosed, these have included:
The business is operated by Mr. Coleman & Ms. Neffgen. Presently the site employs in addition to the owners 2 No. full & 2 No. part time members of staff. This is added to with casual labour at several times when the need requires. The site has been laid out now with hardstanding path access around the beds, etc. to allow for non-discrimination disabled access. Apart from the legal necessity, one of the present helpers is semi-ambulant and is benefiting from this outdoor horticultural work as part of here on going therapy.
In addition to the present Nursery activities, discussions and support has been received from the DAFF & Department of Economic Development for the possibility of creating Mushroom farming facility for on Island & Export use.
Water storage & staff facilities are proposed to be established as required by the Health & Safety at Work Regulations as directed by the Local Government advisor.
ARCHITECTURE
INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS
PROJECT SAFETY
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