29 October 2010 · Delegated
Ballanybaa, Blue Point Road, The Lhen, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM7 3eq
This application sought approval in principle for an agricultural worker's dwelling within the curtilage of Balla Ny Baa, at Blue Point Cross Roads, The Lhen, Ramsey — located on the northern side of the Blue Point Cross Road, northwest of Andreas Village. The application was refused in October 2010 by a delegated Senior Planning Officer. Two distinct reasons were given: the agricultural justification for the dwelling was considered unproven, particularly because it depended on the continued lease of a nearby farm by a third party, which could not be guaranteed. Additionally, the site's access onto the A10, a de-restricted A road, required visibility splays of 2 x 150 metres that could not be provided. Together, these issues meant the proposal failed to meet the policy requirements for an agricultural dwelling and posed a risk to highway safety.
The application was refused on two grounds. First, the need for an agricultural worker's dwelling on this site was not adequately demonstrated, and the justification depended on a third-party farm lease that could not be guaranteed. Second, the required visibility splays of 2 x 150 metres onto the A10 could not be achieved, creating an unacceptable risk to highway safety.
Refusal Reasons
New agricultural dwellings will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances where real agricultural need is demonstrated.
Housing Policy 7: New agricultural dwellings will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances where real agricultural need is demonstrated. 8.9.3 In judging whether the need is sufficient to over -ride other policies, particular regard will be had to:- (a) the previous or proposed severance of land and buildings; (b) the agricultural justification for sub-division of a farm; (c) the long -term viability of new or unproven agricultural enterprises such as small - holdings, market gardens, or horticulture; (d) the extent to which the applicant's employment in agriculture is only part-time; and (e) in the case of a retiring farmer, whether the proposal would result in vacation of an existing farm dwelling for agricultural use, and whether the applicant would continue to assist in the operation of the farm.
