Retrospective Agricultural Storage Statement

Supporting Information.

Retrospective Planning Application - Siting of a container in Arragon Lane, Santon to act as agricultural storage unit for agricultural machinery and animal feed.

2100211

Applicant and owner of the agricultural field in question - Redacted, Arragon Cottage, Santon IM4 1HH.

In October 2020, I sited a shipping container in my field. Prior to the siting of the container I had ensured that all my neighbours were aware of my intentions. My closest neighbour Redacted was kind enough at the time, to provide his own staff to limb various branches from over-hanging trees on the lane to enable easy access for the container to be delivered. Due to the boggy nature of the field entrance and site area a small amount of hardcore was required to be positioned in the field, to enable safe vehicular access.

The attached photographs (A, B, C, & D) clearly show the positioning of the container in the field together with the hardstanding. I sited the container on blocks as I did not want a permanent structure, again to minimise the environmental impact. I must apologise to the planning authority as I was under the impression that as it was a temporary structure, not fixed to the ground, with a clear agricultural use, that there would be no need for me to seek planning permission. Arragon Lane is a private road, and at the time of siting the container, my neighbours were fully supportive of my intentions. It is somewhat surprising and disappointing that Redacted has since raised an objection.

As per the details outlined in the planning application, I require safe storage for both agricultural machinery and animal feed. It is my desire to develop the field into designated areas, to grow organic produce for personal consumption only. I also intend to graze sheep, and potentially goats, on the lower paddocks (DEFA Flock Number UK 1514918) relates, whilst retaining the top paddock, nearest the road, as a large vegetable plot, fruit tree nursery, together with egg production and keeping bees. The intention is to become as self-sufficient as possible, in local food production which will benefit the environment, by minimising food miles and associated carbon footprint. It is fair to say that current climate change issues and the global pandemic has strengthened my desire to progress with this project.

In December 2013, whilst storing agricultural machinery in the field, my Ifor Williams trailer was stolen. This matter was reported to the Police and was subject of an insurance claim (Ref 2013/1096063CB). Although the Isle of Man is a safe place to live, rural thefts of agricultural equipment do occur, and for this reason it is of paramount importance that I can provide secure storage at the location, as it is not feasible to continually transport machinery to and from the field.

In addition to the storage of machinery it is also my intention to keep livestock, although obviously on a small scale. For this I need to have dry / healthy storage areas for animal feed and potential medicines if required.

Redacted

14th February 2021.

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JUARF HEDGE/FENCE

Jivedtock

FIELD? PHOTO (B) TAKEN FOM HERE

Straylllivo measurements nd. Drom centre of boundary fence - {{image:108734}}