16 December 2025 · Committee
Field 314218, Staarvey Road, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 2aj
The proposal involves creating a single-track route across several fields at Bwoaillieecowle Farm to connect existing field gates on Lhergycholvine and Staarvey Road, including a ditch crossing and new hedgerow and tree planting. The Planning Committee approved the application on the basis that the track meets the policy tests for essential agricultural infrastructure, demonstrating a clear functional need to support farm operations. The track is modest in scale and follows existing field boundaries. Landscape integration is achieved through Manx banks and hedgerow planting. Ecological impacts are addressed through a mitigation strategy and habitat enhancements. The culvert design protects watercourse flow and reduces flood risk, and highway safety is maintained through upgraded access and visibility splays.
The committee was satisfied that the track is necessary agricultural infrastructure with a clear functional justification. Landscape, ecological, flood risk, and highway safety concerns were all addressed: the design follows field boundaries with Manx banks and planting, a mitigation strategy covers ecological impacts, the culvert safeguards the watercourse, and upgraded visibility splays maintain road safety.
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
The track and associated works hereby approved shall be used solely for agricultural purposes associated with Upper Lhergydhoo Farm and Ballavaish Farm and shall not be used for general vehicular access or non-agricultural activities.
Condition 3
In the event that the track hereby approved and associated infrastructure ceases to be required for agricultural purposes for a period exceeding 12 months, the applicant shall notify the Department within six months of its last agricultural use. Unless an alternative use is approved in writing by the Department, the track shall be removed and the land restored to its former condition within a further three months.
Condition 4
The track shall be constructed in full accordance with the approved details shown on Drawing No. P05 - Typical Track Section and Drawing No. P06 - Ditch Crossing Point Culvert Details, including:
Condition 5
All new hedgerows, banks, and tree planting shall be carried out in accordance with the approved landscaping scheme (Drawing No. P04) and completed during the first planting season following construction.
Condition 6
No development shall commence until a Precautionary Working Method Statement (PWMS) incorporating Reasonable Avoidance Measures (RAMs) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. The PWMS shall include:
Condition 7
The watercourse crossing shall be constructed in full accordance with the approved culvert design (Drawing No. P06), incorporating:
Condition 8
Prior to commencement of works affecting the watercourse, sediment control measures (such as pinned hay bales or equivalent) shall be installed downstream of the crossing to filter mobilised sediment. These measures shall remain in place throughout the works and be removed upon completion.
Condition 9
The upgraded field access onto Staarvey Road shall be constructed in full accordance with the details shown on Drawing No. P07 - Existing & Proposed Field Gate Access Plan, including:
