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Department of Planning DEFA Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2SF
10th January 2023. Dear Sir / Madam, Re: Detailed planning application for construction of a footpath, seating area and hardstanding for recycling bins, corner of Claughbane Drive and Fairways Drive, Ramsey
The proposed site
The application site is on the corner of Claughbane Drive and Fairways Drive, Ramsey, and is next to ‘Pavilions’ apartment development. The site is within an area zoned for ‘Predominantly Residential’ use under the Ramsey Local Plan. The site is not within a Conservation Area.
Whilst being located next to the ‘Pavilions’ development, it does not form part of that development.
The location of the site, on the corner of Claughbane Drive and Fairways Drive;
In late 2012, works were progressed to landscape the area;
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The recent image, below, shows how the landscaping has matured
The area has developed into a small green oasis, as can be seen from the image above, and provides a valuable area of habitat for wildlife at a time where climate change mitigation has become a primary focus.
Whilst the area remains in private ownership, it does provide greenery and visual amenity, and residents have not been prevented from walking through the area or exercising their dogs.
The proposed works
To formalise the public access to the area, the applicant approached Ramsey Town Commissioners to see if they would consider adopted the area and maintaining it as part of their portfolio of public open space throughout the town. This proposal was tabled with the commissioners and was accepted subject to some elements of additional works being undertaken.
This planning application is seeking approval for the elements of work which the Commissioners have requested, namely:
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In addition to the above ‘engineering works’, Ecology Vannin were commissioned to survey the site and produce a Management Plan with the aim of enhancing the site for wildlife and public amenity, and provide clear guidance on required future management to achieve this. The Ecological Summary
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Note, dated August 2023, is included as part of the application and the following is a summary of the recommendations it contains:
These recommendations, as can be seen, are intended to improve the Biodiversity of the area, beyond that found in a standard area of urban public open space.
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| Table 1: Site management for wildlife and public amenity. | |
| Ecological feature | Management |
| Trees and Scrub | • Trees and scrub should be trimmed back once or twice a year in order to prevent them spreading over footpaths and to prevent the loss of grassland by scrub encroachment. ○ This should be done outside of the bird nesting season (which is March to August inclusive for species likely to use this site). If this is not possible, checks for nesting birds should be made by an ecologist prior to cutting. |
| Grassland | • Grassland should be cut twice a year, in October and March, apart from a border along the pavement which is cut more regularly (see below). ○ Cutting should be done in one direction (south to north) to allow any wildlife to move out of the way. ○ Cuttings should be removed from the site in order to reduce fertility and encourage wildflowers. • To reduce the dominance of grasses, Yellow Rattle could be introduced to the grassland. ○ This should be sown in the Autumn after grassland has been cut. Seeds take best on bare earth, so some scarifying of areas would be beneficial. |
| Invasive non-native plants | • Schedule 8 species Cotoneaster should be removed from the site in order to prevent further spread. • Winter Heliotrope is very invasive and should be managed and ideally eradicated to prevent it spreading through the site. This can be difficult to control, but the following options can work: ○ Cover the area with a weed membrane or thick, light-excluding bark mulch for one full growing season. ○ Repeatedly strim or dig out the plants (will slow but not eradicate infestation as this is a deep rooting plant). ○ This species is likely to need some on-going management to prevent further spread. • It is important that all cuttings / soil containing these plant species is treated as contaminated waste. It must be removed and taken for incineration, with prior arrangement, at the Suez Incinerator. |
| Public amenity | • A border of grassland (approximately 50cm) should be cut alongside the pavement to show that the area is being managed. This can also benefit some flower species and invertebrates. The informal footpath can also be cut if required. ○ Cutting can be done when required. • An information sign could be placed in the southern part of the site near to the start of the footpath. ○ This could provide information on the benefits to wildlife of not cutting the grass through the summer. It could also provide information of the species found within the site. ○ Alternatively a small 'pollinator area' sign could be used. |
Subject to this planning application being approved, the applicant will liaise with Ramsey Town Parks Manager, to agree the extend of the works the applicants will undertake prior to adoption of the area by the Commissioners. Once adopted the Parks department will maintain the area for the long term in accordance with Ecology Vannin's Recommendations.
These proposals will allow the current private space to be transferred to the local authority and will formalise the public access. The area will be maintained for Biodiversity and habitat gain, as well as an easily accessible area for waste recycling. This will have a beneficial impact for climate change mitigation, include carbon sequestration, as well as for the local community.
We trust that we have provided sufficient information for this application to be determined, but should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the writer.
Yours faithfully,
George Li For and on behalf of Hartford Homes Ltd,
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