21 May 2014 · Delegated
Field Number 134889, Lezayre Road, Glen Tramman, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM7 2aw
This application sought permission to erect a timber shed for use as a farm shop and to create a gravel parking and turning area on agricultural land at Lezayre Road, Glen Tramman, Ramsey. The Department of Infrastructure refused the application in May 2014. The officer's site visit in April 2014 found no evidence that crops had been grown on the land or that pig pens described in the application existed. Instead, parts of the field were being used to store machinery, vans, and tractors. Because it could not be shown that all goods would be produced on site, the farm shop was considered premature and an inappropriate use of the land. Beyond the principle of the use, the proposed structures would have introduced built development into isolated open countryside carrying designations for high landscape value and scenic significance.
The application was refused for three reasons. First, it was not adequately demonstrated that goods sold in the farm shop would be produced solely on this site, making the proposal premature and inappropriate. Second, the timber shed and gravel parking area would introduce built development into open countryside designated for its high landscape value, harming its character. Third, the submitted plans did not achieve the required visibility splays at the access point, creating an unacceptable risk to highway safety.
Refusal Reasons
Retailing from farms
Environment Policy 18: Retailing from farms, market gardens and nurseries (excepting ancillary sales of produce grown thereon) will be subject to the Department's general retail policies. 7.15 Equestrian Pursuits 7.15.1 Equestrian activities are becoming increasingly popular in rural areas and on the fringes of our towns and villages. These activities can generally take place only on open, rural land, and often represent a useful way of diversifying traditional farming. The use of land as grazing land falls within t he definition of agriculture (section 45 of the 1999 Town and Country Planning Act), and does not therefore involve development, but the keeping of horses and the operation of equestrian activities generally do involve development and may have an adverse impact on the appearance and character of the countryside. Sensitive siting and high standards of design, construction, and maintenance are necessary to ensure that there are no such adverse impacts. Whilst horses should be well housed, it will seldom be appropriate to use cavity-wall construction for stables, since such buildings may too easily be adapted for residential uses, so thwarting other policies of this Plan. Where new buildings are necessary, they should be sited close to existing building grou ps, and designed not only to blend with their surroundings but also to suit their specific purpose.
