11 April 2013 · Delegated
Saw Mills, Foxdale Road, St Johns, Isle Of Man, IM4 3as
The application relates to the Government-operated Saw Mills site on Foxdale Road, St Johns, where DEFA manages around 6.5 acres used for timber storage, processing, and associated operations. The proposal was to create a new compound area — accessed across a currently grassed strip between the car park and the main operational area — and to install a light to the side of an existing building. The site sits within an area designated as Open Space in the local plan, but with a long-established depot already in place. However, the key finding was that the proposal did not extend the depot beyond its established boundaries; it would only introduce an access across grassed land and formalise storage already taking place. The change to the area's appearance was judged insufficient to warrant refusal, and efficient use of the established depot was considered a material benefit.
The proposal was approved because it did not expand the depot beyond its existing footprint and the visual change was not considered significant enough to justify refusal. The officer also noted that consolidating machinery and equipment storage within the compound would improve screening and allow the wider grounds to be used without unsightly equipment scattered around. The application was consistent with the established use of the site.
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
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
I/P/1
no new major industrial development should be permitted within the local plan area
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This permission relates to the creation of an access and hard standing for storage in association with the use of the sawmill depot, all as shown in drawings and plans received on 11th March, 2013.
