Officer Planning Report

Considerations {{table:93680}} {{table:93677}} ### Written Representations We have received no private representations for this application. ### Consultations {{table:93678}} {{table:93679}} ### Policy

Officer’s Report

The site represents the curtilage of Baldromma Christian, a farm located to the east of the King Edward Road opposite its junction with the Bibaloe Beg Road. The farm comprises a modern bungalow and older farmhouse and outbuildings. Permission was granted recently for substantial extensions to accommodate a swimming pool (01/0841).

Now proposed is the erection of a large building to accommodate an equestrian facility. The building will be close to the farm group and would have a main area of 20m by 40m with a pitch reaching just under 10m all finished in olive green. There is also to be a small storage facility at one site - 8m by 15m (by comparison Mount Rule Equestrian Centre is just under 4m to the ridge, the Kirk Michael Pennybridge Stables building is 50m by 30m and 8m to the ridge). The new building is to be finished in sheeting of an olive green colour.

The complex is already visible in the landscape as viewed from King Edward Road and closer, from the Ballameanagh Beg Road although the height of the roadside hedges prevents much from being seen. The stone barn alongside which the new building will be built is clearly visible and prominent. I

suspect that the new building will be close to or even on top of the trees to the norther east to the site. These trees help provide a screen for the new building.

I have checked with the applicant's agent about the trees and they say that they are certain that the building will not interfere with the trees which they have surveyed. They have also confirmed that the building alongside is 7m so this new building will be significantly larger and taller with not much space in which to plant new trees between the building and the viewpoint from King Edward Road to screen or mitigate it. There is some space between the existing barn and the proposed one where some trees could be planted but not many and they will take some time to grow. In its favour, the building will be alongside the farm group which will limit its impact although it will certainly be seen. The building is not to be used for commercial purposes.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision : Permitted

Date of Recommendation : 30.11.2004

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

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

• : Notes attached to refusals

C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.

C 2. This approval relates to the erection of an equestrian arena as shown in drawings 2727/1, -2 and -3 all received on 22nd September, 2004.

C 3. Prior to the use of the building, trees must be planted between the existing barn and the proposed one, at the eastern end of the site, to help soften the impact of the new building as viewed in the landscape. Details of this planting must be approved by the Planning Authority prior to the commencement of works on site.

C 4. The building may be used only by the occupants of Baldromma Christian for their private use and not hired out or used by the public.

Decision Made : ... Committee Meeting Date : ...

Application No: U4 1963	Page of
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