18 May 2005 · Committee
Vale House, Main Road, Greeba, Isle Of Man, IM4 2dx
The application sought retrospective planning permission for ground-levelling works in part of Field 314939 at Cronkdhoo Farm, Greeba, adjacent to the farm's access road. Mounded material had been redistributed to create a level area intended for use as a camping field for tents, extending an existing campsite use on the site with a prior planning history going back to at least 2001. A new vehicle track provides access to the area, though cars are to be parked in the existing yard rather than on the levelled field itself. The main planning concern was the visual impact of the earthworks on the surrounding landscape. When first observed, the works appeared stark when viewed from the road, but the bank areas had begun to green up naturally. The officer noted that the previously existing soil bund at the top of the field had itself been unsightly, and its removal as part of the works was considered a benefit.
The Planning Committee approved the works because, although the earthworks initially appeared stark in the landscape, the banks were greening up and a landscaping and planting scheme had been submitted to improve screening. The removal of a previously unsightly soil bund was considered a benefit. The change to the field's slope was judged acceptable in the context of the site's established campsite use.
Condition 1
This approval relates to the works as shown on drawing numbers 3978/1 Rev A, 3978/2 (location plan), 3978/2 (section drawing).
Condition 2
The site may only be used for agricultural purposes or for the pitching of tents for camping purposes.
Condition 3
All motor vehicles (which includes cars, and vans but excludes bikes) must be parked within the main yard area at Cronkdhoo Farm to the north east of the site.
Condition 4
Within two months of the date that this decision becomes final there shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Authority a scheme of landscaping in respect of the planted screen area as indicated on drawing number 3978/1 Rev A.
Condition 5
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. 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.
