2 April 2019 · Committee
Clubhouse, Ronaldsway Aircraft Com Ltd, Lane From Ronaldsway To Pavillion, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 2ry
The proposal sought temporary permission to use the playing fields at Ronaldsway Sports and Social Club, Ballasalla, as a campsite during three major motorsport events: the TT Festival, Southern 100, and IOM Festival of Motorcycling. Portable toilet and shower facilities and marquees would be provided on site, with existing parking nearby and overspill parking available at the adjacent airport. Although tourist development is generally subject to a presumption against development in the countryside, officers noted that temporary campsites linked to specific events have become an accepted and well-established practice across the Island, with similar arrangements operating at numerous sports clubs. The site's proximity to existing buildings and facilities aligned with the encouragement to group camping provision near existing infrastructure. The Planning Committee approved the application, in line with the officer recommendation, finding no conflict with Strategic or Area Plan policies and no undue environmental harm.
The application was approved because temporary event-linked campsites of this type are well-established and accepted in planning terms across the Island, the proposal supports the Government's tourism strategy, and no undue environmental impacts or policy conflicts were identified.
Recreation Policy 2
presumes against the loss of recreational facilities
Recreation Policy 2: Development which would adversely affect, or result in the loss of Open Space or a recreation facility that is or has the potential to be, of recreational or amenity value to the community will not be permitted except in the following circumstances: (a) where alternative provision of equivalent community benefit and of equivalent or better accessibility is made available; and (b) where there would be an overall com munity gain from the development, and the particular loss of the open space or recreation facility would have no significant unacceptable effect on local open space or recreation provision or on the character or amenity of the area. 10.3.6 In the case of residential developments for 10 or more dwellings, the Department proposes to adopt the following general standards (which refer to the area required per 1000 head of population): Recreational Open Space Sports Pitches 1.8 ha Children's Play Space 0.6 ha Amenity Space 0.8 ha 10.3.7 These general standards will be applied having regard to the following circumstances: (i) the size, type, and particular needs of the resident population in question; (ii) the needs of visitors to the area; and (iii) the proximity and availability of existing Open Space, including the foreshore, public glens and parks, and school fields which may be available for public use outside of school hours. More detail is set out in Appendix 6. 10.3.8 The Department has therefore adopted the following policy such as to plan positively for the provision of well-designed recreational and amenity space.
Environment Policy 16
encourage the use of existing buildings
and heritage, but also an opportunity for diversification and re -use. The Department will continue to treat proposals for re-use positively, where they comply with current policy guidance namely Environment Policy 16 and Environment Policy 17, set out in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan, 2007. Manx National Heritage is likely to seek recording of such buildings and farmsteads prior to redevelopment and particular regard should be had to the Isle of Man Strategic Plan - Environment Policy 41 - in this respect.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The camp site may be open for business 2 days prior to the first Pre-TT Classic until 2 days after the last race day of TT in any year, 2 days prior to Southern 100 event until 2 days after in any year and 2 days prior to the first practice of Classic TT and Manx Grand Prix until 2 days after the last race of that event in any year. The camp site may be erected up to a week before and must be taken down within a week after each of these periods. The camp site may not be operational for the periods between these approved times.
