13 February 2019 · Committee
Field 534017, Blackberry Lane, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 1ta
Permission was granted for the temporary use of two fields at Blackberry Lane, Onchan, as a campsite during the TT Festival and the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling. The application was submitted by Onchan Pensioners Social Club. The site sits between Summerhill Glen and Blackberry Lane, south of Governors Hill Roundabout. The nearest residential neighbour is approximately 100 metres from the camping area, which the officer's report noted as a relevant factor. Parking and highway safety were identified as the main planning consideration. The committee approved the application with three conditions.
The committee approved the temporary use of the football ground as a campsite during the TT Festival and Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling. The committee also amended one condition to remove a reference to the Southern 100 and to extend the permitted campsite use to up to seven days before and after each qualifying event.
presumes against the loss of recreational facilities
The Plan also contains a policy which presumes against the loss of recreational facilities (RP2).
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.
encourage the use of existing buildings
There are no Strategic Plan policies which guide tourist related developments other than those which encourage the use of existing buildings (EP16).
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.
General Policy 2
In this respect, the proposal complies with GP2.
General Policy 2: Development which is in accordance with the land-use zoning and proposals in the appropriate Area Plan and with other policies of this Strategic Plan will normally be permitted, provided that the development: (a) is in accordance with the design brief in the Area Plan where there is such a brief; (b) respects the site and surroundings in terms of the siting, layout, scale, form, design and landscaping of buildings and the spaces around them; (c) does not affect adversely the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape; (d) does not adversely affect the protected wildlife or locally important habitats on the site or adjacent land, including water courses; (e) does not affect adversely public views of the sea; (f) incorporates where possible existing topography and landscape features, particularly trees and sod banks; (g) does not affect adversely the amenity of local residents or the character of the locality; (h) provides satisfactory amenity standards in itself, including where appropriate safe and convenient access for all highway users, together with adequate parking, servicing and manoeuvring space; (i) does not have an unacceptable effect on road safety or traffic flows on the local highways; (j) can be provided with all necessary services; (k) does not prejudice the use or development of adjoining land in accordance with the appropriate Area Plan; (l) is not on contaminated land or subject to unreasonable risk of erosion or flooding; (m) takes account of community and personal safety and security in the design of buildings and the spaces around them; and (n) is designed having due regard to best practice in reducing energy consumption. 6.3 Development outside of areas zoned for development
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
No approval is hereby granted or implied to any additional or extended periods of illumination by artificial means associated with the clubhouse approved on the site under 12/00016/B.
Condition 3
The camp site may be available for use no earlier than seven days before the first practice associated with the TT and Manx Grand Prix/Festival of Motorcycling races and up to seven days after the last race in each case: the camp site may be erected within three days before this and taken down within three days after this, with the site available for recreation uses in between those events and times.
