6 April 2004 · Committee
Rosehill Farm Junction Richmond Hill Braddan Douglas
The works were proposed to improve access to Rosehill Farm, where a new dwelling was being built to replace Rosehill Lodge. The scheme involved realigning kerbs at the farm entrance, regrading the roadside banking on the southern side of Richmond Hill, and planting the new bank with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, while maintaining adequate visibility splays. Several trees alongside the roadway were to be removed, but the officer noted these were mainly small, self-seeded hedge trees of limited amenity value; a larger tree near the former Rose Cottage was also to be removed, though none of the trees were considered particularly good species. New planting on the regraded bank was expected to compensate over time for those lost. Braddan Commissioners expressed disappointment that the scheme did not extend to a full highway realignment from the Home of Rest for Old Horses to Rosehill Cottage, but the officer concluded it would be inappropriate to refuse an application solely because it was not more comprehensive, given that it would meaningfully improve visibility and road conditions. The Highways Division raised no adverse traffic concerns.
The committee permitted the works because they would significantly improve visibility and road safety at the Rosehill Farm junction without causing unacceptable harm. The trees to be removed were of limited amenity value, and new native planting would compensate for the loss. The scheme's limited scope compared to a full highway realignment was not a valid reason for refusal given the clear safety benefit it would deliver.
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This approval relates to the alterations to the roadside as shown in drawings HW2208-02 received on 21.02 .03 and HW2208-03 received on 23rd March, 2004.
Condition 3
The newly created banks must be planted with native species of flower, shrub and trees: the advice of DAFF, the Manx Wildlife Trust and the Manx Wildflower Project should be sought in this respect.
Condition 4
All planting, seeding or turfing comprised in the approved details of landscaping must be carried out in the first planting and seeding seasons following the completion of the development or the occupation of the dwellings, whichever is the sooner. Any trees or plants which within a period of five years from the completion of the development die, are removed, or become seriously damaged or diseased must be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species.
Condition 5
The works involving the removal of trees must be undertaken outside the bird breeding season to ensure that the birds, their nests and eggs are protected in accordance with the Wildlife Act 1990.
