27 June 2024 · Committee
Street Record, Larivane Close, Andreas, Isle Of Man, IM7 4hd
Manx Telecom Ltd applied for permission to install four 9-metre wooden telegraph poles with associated overhead wiring along the pavement of Larivane Close, Andreas, Isle of Man. The street is a residential estate of around 18 dwellings, predominantly bungalows set back from the pavement with landscaped front gardens, mature trees, and hedges. The application was refused by the committee on 27 June 2024, despite the case officer having recommended approval. The decision notice states that the height, size, and scale of the four poles would have a negative visual impact that adversely affects the character of the streetscene. The refusal was based on the harm the poles would cause to the appearance of a quiet residential bungalow street, where the existing built environment and soft landscaping contribute to the local character.
The application was refused by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. The four proposed 9-metre wooden telegraph poles were considered too large in height, size, and scale for a residential street of predominantly bungalows, and would have caused a negative visual impact on the character of the streetscene.
Refusal Reasons
Development should make the best use of resources (c)
Strategic Policy 1: Development should make the best use of resources by: (a) optimising the use of previously developed land, redundant buildings, unused and under -used land and buildings, and re - using scarce indigenous building materials; (b) ensuring efficient use of sites, taking into account the needs for access, landscaping, open space (1) and amenity standards; and (c) being located so as to utilise existing and planned infrastructure, facilities and services. 4.2.2 In pursuance of (c) abo ve, the Department will, when formulating its programme for the preparation of new Area Plans, have particular regard to: (a) the availability of mains drainage connected to IRIS or other mains systems; (b) securing the future viability of rural primary schools; (c) the public investment in the Island's highway, bus, railway and tramway networks; (d) the provision and availability of water; and (e) community facilities. 4.3 Environment 4.3.1
Protection of the landscape and biodiversity (b)
Named service Village (Andreas)
General Development Considerations
Safeguarding the environment and/or the amenities of surrounding properties
Environment Policy 22: Development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties in terms of: i) pollution of sea, surface water or groundwater; ii) emissions of airborne pollutants; and iii) vibration, odour, noise or light pollution. 7.17.2 In addition to the above, changes in the activities associated with the current permitted use of land or a building, which in themselves do not constitute development and therefore do not require planning permission, can have an adverse impact on adjacent properties by virtue of noise, light or general disturbance. For example the addition of security lig hting on a property may cause light pollution affecting adjacent properties and the wider area. The introduction of new activities into established parks and recreation areas can have an impact on neighbours. In such cases the Department would advocate t he person or organisation considering the change to give careful consideration to the potential impact of such activity in terms of location, siting and design.
Need for communications infrastructure versus environmental impacts
To install 6 x 9 metre wooden telegraph poles with associated overhead wires.
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Installation of three 9-metre wooden telegraph poles with associated overhead wires.
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Installation of four 9-metre wooden telegraph poles with associated overhead wires.
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