Planning Statement Agricultural Building Arena

Ballakillowey Farm

Sloc Road

Colby

IM9 4BN

Planning and Building Control Directorate

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture

Murray House

Mount Havelock

Douglas

IM1 2SF

3rd May 2019

Dear Sirs,

Submission of application for Planning Permission for Agricultural Building and Outdoor All Weather Riding Arena (Ménage)

I enclose herewith by way of filing the following documents:

1. Four copies of an Application for Planning Permission together with all plans and photos referred to therein;
2. Planning Application Checklist
3. Certificate of Ownership
4. Cheque by way of Application Fee.

I trust that this documentation is in order and look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Yours sincerely

Carole Ennett

[email protected]

Erection Of Agricultural Barn And All-Weather Outdoor Riding Arena (Ménage)

Background

Ballakillowey Farm is a 20 acre agricultural holding which is eligible for the Aftopment Scheme. Having bought the farm in 2018, we are building a small flock of sheep and will produce hay for our personal use and sale. We also have our own horses on the farm. There is an existing shed containing stabling and a number of stone outbuildings. Due to the small doorways in the existing outbuildings, it is not possible to get hay bales inside nor access with machinery.

Description of proposed works Agricultural building

The application proposes the erection of an agricultural building, $20 \mathrm{~m} \times 10 \mathrm{~m}$. The building would be clad in dark green sheeting with a vehicular door on the East elevation and a concrete floor. Access currently exists to the proposed site from the yard. The proposal includes no changes to the hedging on the northern field boundary.

The proposed use of the building is agriculture; specifically hay barn, machinery store, and lambing shed. We have 5.5 acres currently set aside for hay production. This hay will be for our own use and any surplus will be sold. Following the 2018 drought, hay was in short supply and we struggled to obtain sufficient supplies for our own stock. We therefore feel it necessary to produce our own supplies to safeguard against future shortages. The barn will also be used for the storage of farm machinery together with a small number of lambing pens. Given the size of holding and level of activity it will support, we believe it warrants the construction of a new agricultural dwelling in the countryside.

We are aware that Environment Policies 8 and 15 apply to our application.

• With regard to EP8, the proposed site of the agricultural building is not close to existing water courses. Rainwater discharge from the building will drain into a soakaway. Therefore, there would be no breach of the "Code of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water".
• With regard to EP15, the proposed site of the building is close to the existing building groups with easy access to the hay fields. This close grouping would reduce visual impact as part of the landscape in more distant views from the south, with the finish designed to blend in with the surroundings. Therefore, we believe the proposed building will be sympathetic to the landscape and build environment of which it will form a part.

Pic 1: Showing site and location of surrounding outbuildings for the proposed Agricultural building. The tree shown in the picture is on the other side of the hedge and will not be damaged/removed.

All-weather riding arena (Ménage)

Construction of an all-weather outdoor riding arena (the Ménage) the dimensions and location of which are shown on the enclosed plan.

The area of land we propose to build the Ménage is currently used for the schooling and exercising of our horses but because it is currently turf, it is only possible to ride in it during drier months of the year. Pic 1 below, shows the site of the proposed Ménage as it is now, with existing ground level. We propose to border the Ménage with post and rail fencing. There will be no change to the existing hedging on the southern boundary. There is existing access into the field where the ménage is proposed.

Construction of the 20 meter by 40 meter Ménage would involve:

1. The removal of top soil which would not be taken off our property;
2. Levelling the area to a flat surface;
3. Digging drainage channels across the length of the Ménage;
4. Erection of wooden retaining boards around the perimeter of the ménage;
5. Laying approximately 150 mm of hard-core;
6. Laying a sand/fibre/rubber mix to a depth of approximately 150 mm ;

A cross section showing the construction of the Ménage is enclosed and marked Plan A. We are aware that Environment Policies 19, 20 and 21 apply to our application since the Ménage proposal is for Equestrian purposes.

• With regard to EP19, the proposal would not create a loss in local amenity or high quality agricultural land since the site is in private ownership and already used for the purpose of exercising horses. There would be no increase in traffic generated since the horses are already kept on site.
• With regard to EP20, the proposal does not compromise a "large scale equestrian development" and is therefore, not at odds with this policy.
• With regard to EP21, there is no detriment to the character and appearance of the countryside since the site is already used for exercising horses and will remain an open space albeit with an all-weather surface rather than turf. It is not proposed to light the Ménage artificially and there will be no negative impact.

Pic 2: Showing the proposed location of the Ménage which is currently fenced to create a riding area. On the southern boundary is a hedge which will not be altered. There are no trees within the proposed site.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we would ask that the application be approved because: a) The proposals would not result in a significant adverse impact upon the living conditions of neighbouring residents, therefore complying with General Policy 3; b) Nor would it harm the character of its surroundings, complying with General Policy 2; c) It complies with the relevant policies in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016; d) It does not harm the character and quality of the area; e) It does not have a negative visual impact on the countryside; f) It does not crease additional traffic over and above what already exists.

Plan A

Menage cross section