20 August 2024 · Delegated
Field 624110, Gooseneck Road, Hibernia, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM7 1ep
This application sought permission to erect an equestrian building on part of a field to the rear of an existing equestrian building at Ballagilley Farm, Gooseneck Road, Hibernia, Ramsey. The site sits within an upland landscape to the north west of the farm buildings, and an equestrian business is already operated from the site. The application was refused on 20 August 2024 by the Acting Head of Development Management under delegated authority. The decision followed the officer's recommendation to refuse. The sole reason for refusal was the size and scale of the proposed building. In this visually sensitive upland setting, the structure was considered too large and would be seen from a wide area, including the eastern slopes and summit of North Berrule, the A2 main road, and more distant viewpoints to the north and east near Maughold on the coast.
The application was refused because the proposed equestrian building was considered too large for its upland setting. The structure would have been visible from a wide area, including the slopes and summit of North Berrule, the A2 road, and higher ground to the north and east near Maughold. This was judged to cause an unacceptable level of visual harm to the character of the landscape, which is recognised as a sensitive Northern Uplands area under the Isle of Man Landscape Character Assessment.
Refusal Reasons
General Policy 2
b), c) and g)
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
Environment Policy 1
The countryside and its ecology will be protected for its own sake
Environment Policy 1: The countryside and its ecology will be protected for its own sake. For the purposes of this policy, the countryside comprises all land which is outside the settlements defined in Appendix 3 at A.3.6 or which is not designated for future development on an Area Plan. Development which would adversely affect the countryside will not be permitted unless there is an over-riding national need in land use planning terms which o utweighs the requirement to protect these areas and for which there is no reasonable and acceptable alternative. 7.6 Landscape Assessment and Classification 7.6.1 The present system of landscape classification remains relevant and important. However, a review of the current landscape classification system is underway in the form of an Island wide landscape and coastal quality assessment. This will identify different categories of landscape and coastal importance in order for development to be managed effectively in these areas and appropriate protection policies to be formulated. This exercise will investigate the appropriateness of designating a 'coastal planning zone' which would extend both seaward and landward of the coastline depending on the ext ent of the mean low water mark in the case of the former and the extent of direct maritime -influenced and coast - related activities in the case of the latter. The landscape assessment will also include management guidelines with respect to development not only in the designated areas but in the wider countryside as well.
Environment Policy 19
Development of equestrian activities and buildings will only be accepted in the countryside where there will be as a result of such development no loss in local amenity, no loss of high quality agricultural land (Classes 1 and 2) and where the local highway network can satisfactorily accommodate any increase in traffic
Environment Policy 19: Development of equestrian activities and buildings will only be accepted in the countryside where there will be as a result of such development no loss in local amenity, no loss of high quality agricultural land (Classes 1 and 2) and where the local highway network can satisfactorily accommodate any increase in traffic (see Environment Policy 14 for interpretation of Class 1 and 2).
Environment Policy 20
There will be a presumption against large scale equestrian development, which includes new buildings and external arenas, in areas with High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance unless there are exceptional circumstances to override such a policy
Environment Policy 20: There will be a presumption against large scale equestrian developments, which includes new buildings and external arenas, in areas with High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance unless there are exceptional circumstances to override such a policy.
Environment Policy 21
Buildings for the stabling, shelter or care of horses or other animals will not be permitted in the countryside if they would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the countryside in terms of siting, design, size or finish
Environment Policy 21: Buildings for the stabling, shelter or care of horses or other animals will not be permitted in the countryside if they would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the countryside in terms of siting, design, size or finish. Any new buildings must be designed in form and materials to reflect their specific purpose; in particular, cavity-wall construction should not be used. 7.16 Environmental Protection - Introduction 7.16.1 T here are many fac ets of environmental protection which have land use implications including pollution, unstable land, contaminated land and flooding. In terms of pollution, whilst it is the role of the planning system to determine whether a development is an acceptable use of land rather than seeking to control the processes or substances used in any particular development, it is important that the Planning Directorate operates alongside other agencies such as the Environment Safety and Health Directorate whic h has statutory responsibilities regarding environmental protection, and the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate, The Isle of Man Water Authority, the Department of Transport and the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry. 7.17 Pollution 7.17.1 It is important to protect the environment and quality of life by controlling development which would lead to unacceptable levels of water pollution, air pollution and other nuisances such as noise and smells. However, it is not the role of land us e planning to duplicate controls which are the statutory responsibility of other agencies including other directorates within the Department of Local Government and the Environment. It is the intention of the following policy to prevent development which would unacceptably impact upon current and future land uses through the effects of pollution.
Re-location of vehicular access into site, erection of new stable block and horse riding manège
principle for the equestrian use on this agricultural site was accepted
Erection of building for use as stables/store on site of previously approved stables
Drawn details of a new 20m x 60m indoor arena at Sunnycroft, Rhendoo Road, Jurby
Drawn details of a new 20m x 60m equestrian arena and associated facilities - stabling and tack areas and service corridors at Ballaquayle Farm, St Marks Road, St Marks, Ballasalla
Proposed erection of private equestrian facilities in fields 524030, 524029 and 522779, Ballamona Estate, Quine's Hill, Port Soderick