Planning Report Permitted Recommendation

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:82646}} {{table:82647}} {{table:82648}} ### Considerations ### Written Representations We have received 8 private representations for this application. ### Consultations ### Policy

Officer's Report

The site represents two parcels of land very close to each other, both on the northern side of Gretch Voar lane accessed from the Ballaragh Road (B11) from a point north of King Orry's Grave.

The land is designated as Open Space on the 1989 Laxey Local Plan and as Open Space and Woodland on the emerging Laxey & Lonan Plan. Previous applications include PA 94/1731 for the principle of a dwelling (refused) and PA 97/1837 for the parking of film industry related vehicles (refused). Neither of these applications refer to the site's use as a builder's yard: PA 97/1837 describes the site as "not in use" and "out of use" and PA 94/1731 describes it as including "a usable barn and derelict Nissen hut...the remains of a two storey building...and a small single storey stone building". The Inspector notes that the applicant describes "the site, other than where the buildings themselves stand, has been used formally as a waste disposal site and latterly for fly-tipping".

This latest application proposes the use of the site as a builder's yard and describes it as having been used as a builder's yard for the past 25 years. I recall visiting the site in connection with the previous

applications and cannot recall seeing anything to persuade me that the use was as a builder's yard. I understand from the letters of objection that the use as a builder's yard has commenced.

There is a letter from the occupants of Gretch Voar Farmhouse indicating that they would have no objection to a small builder's yard but do object to increasing levels of builder's rubble being brought to the site. A planning permission could not control the size of the operation and even a condition controlling the area to be used would leave us in a difficult position in respect of any future application for future expansion.

Laxey Commissioners have no objection to the application.

Defer for site visit.

The site actually looked quite tidy from the public perspective although the photos Steve Olsen has show the site in a much less tidy condition. The access though is very poor in terms of width and alignment and condition. The only good things about this proposal are that it is generally screened from public view and that the access onto the Ballaragh Road affords very good visibility.

Defer for the views of DoT. They have recommended approval but I have asked Ken Ashcroft to confirm this after a site visit.

I have had confirmation from Ken Ashcroft that he has no objection to the application, which I find remarkable. Despite this I am not persuaded that the access is suitable for the proposed use.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 09.08.2004

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C: Conditions for approval N: Notes attached to conditions R: Reasons for refusal O: Notes attached to refusals

R 1. Access to the site is from the B11 Ballaragh via an unmade, rough and narrow lane which is considered unsuitable to service the use proposed and the traffic which such a use would generate.

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Decision Made: ... Committee Meeting Date: ... dcreprec.doc