Ballakaighen Farm Temporary Campsite Statement

1746:02

PROPOSED TEMPORARY CAMPSITE

at

BALLAKAIGHEN FARM

WHITEBRIDGE ROAD

ONCHAN

for

Mr ANDREW CLAGUE

BRIEF PLANNING STATEMENT

Ballakaighen Farm is an existing agricultural small holding of some years which has in recent times diversified into family entertainment and leisure activities. These facilities include 'Laserblast' and 'Fun Barn' both of which are housed in self-contained 'barns' each with casual seating areas and toilet facilities. In addition to this there is an outdoor junior go-kart track and a 'Maize Maze' (late summer / autumn only). A Marquee with lawn and patio are also available during the summer for private functions. Planning Permission for change of use to construct a 'Zorbing' Track has been granted (Approval No. 11/00459/C).

The existing access to these facilities is off the A2, Whitebridge Road, clearly marked and affords good sight lines for vehicles entering and leaving the development. The access road itself is of a width to accommodate traffic in both directions. There is the added advantage of a convenient bus stop on Whitebridge Road near the entrance to the farm. Vehicle parking available on site is in excess of that required on a day to day basis for the activities and it is intended that this existing vehicle parking area be used by the campers.

The proposed temporary campsite will comprise an area marked out to accommodate a maximum of 50 pitches on a 'casual private booking' basis, available for the TT festival fortnight (May / June 2014 and 2015) and the Festival of Motorcycling (August / September 2014 and 2015) only. A 45 metre wide section of the field adjacent to Whitebridge Road will be kept clear of tents as indicated on the Site Plan. As this is historically a very quiet period for the 'Fun Barn' and 'Laserblast' activities it is intended that the existing toilet facilities on site will be available for

use by the campers with additional facilities in the form of a portable shower block and wc block being provided as necessary, and connected to existing foul drainage. 14 00242

Hot and cold food prepared in the existing kitchen facilities will be available for purchase and consumption by the campers on site from breakfast onwards.

In summary, the existing access and facilities available at the farm can easily accommodate the additional usage generated by the temporary campsite, which has been sited and designed to reduce any impact on neighbouring properties. The reduction in use of the Fun Barn and Lasterblast attractions during these periods can be offset against the increase in use from the campsite and all the required parking and ancillary facilities are self-contained within the site, well away from the main road.