Approval in principle for the erection of a light industrial unit with associated parking and vehicular access

Why Was This Refused?

• ✓Site not allocated for development in the St. John's Local Plan 1999
• ✓Presumption against development on this land
• ✓No evidence of economic benefit sufficient to override the land use designation
• ✓No demonstration that suitable brownfield alternatives had been ruled out

This application sought approval in principle for a light industrial unit with associated parking and vehicular access on land adjacent to the Thie Slieau Whallian Saw Mill Complex on Foxdale Road, St Johns, Isle of Man. The application was refused by the Department of Infrastructure in May 2015. The central planning issue was that the site falls outside any allocation for development in the St. John's Local Plan 1999, which means there is a presumption against development taking place there. The applicant, Berries Ltd, did not provide written support from the Department of Economic Development to show that the economic benefits of the proposal were strong enough to justify departing from the development plan. The Department was also not persuaded that no suitable brownfield sites existed elsewhere that could accommodate the proposed use without conflicting with planning policy.

The application was refused because the site is not identified as suitable for development in the St. John's Local Plan 1999, creating a presumption against development. No written support from the Department of Economic Development was provided to demonstrate sufficient economic benefit to justify setting aside that designation. The Department was also not satisfied that there were no suitable brownfield sites available for the proposed use.

Policies Assessed (4)

Planning History (1)

Documents (47)