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built up' area so accords with planning policy to direct, if possible, new dwellings to established settlements'. The Planning Authority has received 100 letters of support the planning application, which can be summarised as, it will provide additional recreational and leisure activates for children involved in the club & promote fit and active children, will reduce the risk of unauthorised land usage by motorcyclists on the island, provides an opportunity to monitor motorcycle use, it promotes off-road motorcycling an activity that is shared by all club members and families, enables competitors to be more competitive in events off Island and It clearly demonstrates the commitment the club has, with regard to the law and the surrounding environment. Additional to this the Authority received 9 letters of support which can be summarised as, the Club has been running events on a regular basis since 1978 from the site without hindrance or objection until recent times, the club caters for young people aged six and upwards and the club maintains a high organisational standards and works with strict ACU rules. ### Assessment / Recommendation The main issue with this application that needs careful thought, is will the increase from 7 events per year, to 13 events per year, result in significant adverse impacts to the detriment to local residents and the surrounding area to warrant a refusal. The Isle of Man Schoolboy Motocross Club hosts a number of events predominately for school children and on event days can accommodate up to 100 competitors. Firstly an "event" should be explained and exactly what it means at this site. The Applicant has stated that The additional usage the club requires would be to host a 6 round summer series. The summer series takes place on Saturday and Sunday's during the summer. This year rounds 1 & 2 will take place on 16th & 17th June, rounds 3 & 5 will be held 14th & 15th July and rounds 5 & 6 on 11th & 12th Aug. The dates vary from year to year as the motocross committees slot in events taking into account other activities i.e. TT & Grand Prix fortnights but usually take place in these months. On the Saturday registration/signing on takes place from 4pm with practice & racing commencing at 5pm going on no later than 8.30pm. The Sunday schedule is similar to other event timings i.e. registration/signing on takes place from 9am with practice & racing commencing no earlier than 11am going on no later than 3pm. Regarding track preparation this is dependant on how long it has been between events however the committee inspects the track a couple of weeks before an event to assess how much work is required. This tends to involve Re-marking out the track, General clearing up of the area, preparing the start and holding areas, roping off the paddock to provide safe lane access to the start line and grading the track. With the exception of grading the track, all above work is done on foot. Bikes are not allowed on the track during the work parties for several years now. I must point out occasionally a bike will be used to check new parts of the track, for health and safety reasons. It would not be ridden at race speeds over the whole track'. The Applicant has also indicated the reason for the site is due to previous summer series around other venues of the Island, rounds have been cancelled due to conditions, usually too dusty, whereas Ballagharraghan doesn't suffer from this problem (sand course). The Departments Environmental Protection Officer has recommended that the site should be restricted to 10 days per year with at least 4 weeks between events in accordance with the recommendation of the Code of Practice on Noise from Organised Off-road Motor Cycle Sport 1994 (Section 6.5). The Officer goes on to state that the Noise levels from motocross at Cronk Y Cliwe have been measured as typically LAeq, 1 hour ~ 50 dB which is 15 – 20 dB above background noise levels (LA90, 1 hour ~ 30 – 35 dB) and therefore likely to cause noise nuisance'. Whilst the Code of Practice on Noise from Organised Off-road Motor Cycle Sport 1994 indicates the site should only be used for 10 days I must balance the impacts the additional six days (total of 13 days) would have on the near-by residential dwellings against the beneficial use the additional days would provide for The Isle of Man Schoolboy Motocross Club. The closest neighbouring property to the site is Ponderosa which is located approximately 260 metres southeast of the site. The property is however located almost adjacent to the entrance/exist onto the A10 road. I am of the opinion therefore that this property would be most affect by the proposed scheme. As stated previously the owner of Ponderosa has objected to the application for a number of reasons which mainly are due to noise and associated activities with the site. Another major issue is regarding the concerns of riders using the beach and surrounding area outside the application site, which is a concern I would sympathise with the objectors, however I cannot attach significant weight to these issues, as this application deals with the site indicated only and illicit riders on the beach are outside the application site, and therefore outside the Planning Control. If illicit riders were to use the site, outside the allocated "event days" then action could be taken by the Authority as no permission is being given for the use of the site except for "events" which has been defined within this report. I therefore consider that strict conditions of operation be attached to any given approval, as well as a condition to prevent access via the sand dunes/beach onto the application site. Accessing the site is gained off the A10 and through the adjacent field which has a hardstanding track which leads to the application site. Parking is provided within the Paddock (area 1 marked with green lines on location plan) which can accommodate 100 vehicles with the field next to the access track providing an overspill car park (area 2 marked with green lines on location plan) which gives the site a total number of parking provisions of approximately 250. The Highway Division have no objection to the proposal subject to 'A traffic management and access method statement is prepared after consultation with the DoT prior to holding the first motor cross event', therefore from this aspect, parking provisions and highway safety I believe for this proposal are acceptable at this stage. With regard to the comments made by the Wildlife & Conservation Officer, conditions can be attached to any given approval which ensured that the flora and fauna that requires protecting will be. With acceptable conditions in place I consider the environmental impact upon the site can be protected and sustained. ### Recommendation In essence the proposal is seeking three additional weekends per year (Sat & Sun) during the summer series (one day is classed as one event). In balance therefore, I am of the opinion that the additional six days, giving a total of 13 days per year would not result in significant adverse affects to the detriment of the surrounding area or to the nearby residential properties to warrant a refusal. Additionally to this, I am of the opinion that the times of the proposed practice/racing to be an important issue. As indicated by the Applicant practice/racing on a Saturday would commence from 5pm till 8.30pm (3hr 30mins) and on a Sunday practice/racing starts no earlier than 11am and goes no later than 3pm (4hrs). Again, I do not consider the times indicated are during anti-social hours or that they are for a significant period of time. I judge the proposal to be beneficial to The Isle of Man Schoolboy Motocross Club and too the Island as a whole, and I believe the reasons indicated outweigh the insufficient adverse impacts. The proposal would also ensure that the usage of the site being regularised which would hopefully result in more appropriate activities during set dates and setting a limit for use. For these reasons the proposal would be appropriate in this location and therefore my recommendation is for an approval. However strict conditions restricting times and dates should be required to be added, as well as a condition to prevent access onto via the sand dunes/beach, to prevent unauthorised riding outside the event periods. ### Party Status I consider that the following meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should be afforded interested party status: - Jurby Parish Commissioners - Highways Division - Wildlife & Conservation Officer - The Harbours Division - 4 Yn-Aittin-Vooar, Bretney Road, Jurby - 2 Yn-Aittin-Vooar, Bretney Road, Jurby - Suen Cardee, Summerhill Road, Jurby - Lower Sartfield, Jurby - Church View Cottage, Jurby - Briarcliffe House, Jurby - Ponderosa, Coast Road, Jurby - 1 Yn-Aittin-Vooar, Bretney Road, Jurby - Ballacallum Cottage, Lhen Bridge - Bretney Farm House, Jurby East Road, Jurby I consider that the following parties that made representations to the planning application do not meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should not be afforded interested party status:- - Manx National Heritage - S.P.M.C. & E - Disability Access Officer - Mr Jessopp - 12 Clybane Rise, Farmhill, Braddan - 6 Poplar Terrace, Douglas - 4 Snugborough Avenue, Union Mills - 42 Cronk Elfin, Ramsey - 28 Farmhill Meadows, Douglas - 19 Ballabrooie Grove, Douglas - 28 Clifton Drive, Ramsey - Ivydene, Wheel Hill, Laxey - Vernon Road, Ramsey - 34 Woodbourn Square, Douglas - Widdershins, Chapel Lane, Baldrine, Lonan - 66 Bray Hill, Douglas - 13A Village Walk, Onchan - Croft House, Church Road, Santon - 20 Close Cowley, Ballaveragher, Douglas - 33 Broogh Wyllin, Shore Road, Kirk Michael None of the received 109 letters of support the planning application meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should not be afforded interested party status. - J R Houghton MHK - David Cannan - R W Henderson MHK - Peter Karran MHK ### Supplementary Information Following the Planning Committee meeting the application was deferred for the clarification on the following points:- 1. ACU code of practice – The Environmental Protection Unit recommended 10 days and therefore would the proposal be a breach of the appropriate ACU code of practice; 2. Issues relating to orchids, nesting; 3. Possible means to prevent unauthorised access; 4. Whether the events are to take place during the winter or summer; and 5. Whether the participant’s are schoolboys or also adults. The Applicant has subsequently submitted the additional information:- The Isle of Man Schoolboy Club (the club) as previously stated, feels its application for additional usage at Ballagarraghyn is being hijacked by parties complaining about alleged use of motor vehicles elsewhere. There have been no reports/complaints of motor vehicle use on the track since measures introduced by the club in conjunction with Mr Steve Olsen. Below is the clubs response to the planning committee’s further questions. 1. ACU code of practice – The Environmental Protection Unit recommended 10 days and therefore would the proposal be a breach of the appropriate ACU code of practice. The club have hosted the summer series for almost 10 years in the format of rounds being held back to back over the same weekend. The club are affiliated to the ACU and applies to them for permits to host all Motocross events and the summer series is no different. The permits have to be applied for well in advance of the event with details such as location, date, times, type of event etc needed before the ACU will provide a permit and sanction the event. Copies of these permits can be provided if needed but all dates (and most venues) for scheduled motocross events on the island during 2007 are available on the clubs website. The club cannot and will not hold an event without the relevant ACU permit and authority so the ACU is fully aware when and where events are being held. The code of practice referred to by Simon Renton is for guidance purposes but there are other instances the club can quote both local and nationally where motocross events are held at the same venue within a month. 2. Issues relating to orchids, nesting. The club have not seen orchids growing in or around the track nor is there any sign of birds nesting however we would happily meet with a member of DAFF and/or any other organisation on site to discuss these issues. 3. Possible means to prevent unauthorised access (fencing). In successfully obtaining planning permission under "established use" rules the club worked closely with Mr Steve Olsen (DLGE Planning Enforcement Officer) on how best to prevent unauthorised use of the land. The erection of fencing was considered too costly but all parties agreed warning signs should be erected at points of entry to track, a copy of which I have enclosed. These are located on the tracks leading from the beach and also the tracks from the connecting land (to the North East). The signs very clearly state not only the clubs', but the Isle of Man motocross fraternity's intentions should someone be caught on the track. Any unauthorised use of a vehicle on the track will result in the offender being banned from all motocross on the Isle of Man. The club would argue their success can be measured by the lack of complaints of alleged use of off road vehicles on the area the club hosts events. 4. Whether the events would take place during the winter or summer. The summer series takes place only during the summer, traditionally rounds 1 & 2 in June, rounds 3 & 4 in July and rounds 5 & 6 in August with 2 rounds being held back to back on weekends. 5. Whether the participant's are schoolboys or also adults. The Isle of Man Schoolboy Summer series is only for school children aged between 6 and 18 on the 1st of January during the competing year. The club hosts other events which adults can enter but the summer series is for school children only. The Isle of Man Schoolboy club has hosted the Summer Series for almost 10 years and applied for the additional dates to host events at Ballagarraghyn to avoid the problems it has encountered in recent years with summer series events being shortened due to weather. Last year, for instance, two rounds were shortened to 2/3rds due to dust, something Ballagarraghyn doesn't suffer from as it's a sand based course. The summer series is also an ideal opportunity for first time riders to come and try out to see if they like motocross. They are escorted (by a travelling marshal) round a suitable track, depending on age and ability, and if they like it they can take part in the racing that day. The club advise that they do not wish to be unreasonable and are willing to compromise by having planning permission to host one weekend (i.e. two rounds Saturday & Sunday) of the summer series at Ballagarraghyn, and being able to host two other motocross events on Sundays. This effectively would be to drop the request for two additional Saturdays but this would be on the condition the club did not have to resubmit a planning application, but rather via a planning condition. ### Recommendation Decision Recommended by the Director of Planning and Building Control: PermittedC : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal
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 submitted documents and drawing 01718/1 all received on 6th October 2006.
C 3. Prior to holding the first motor cross event, there must be submitted to and approved by the Planning Authority detailed drawings, showing a suitable scheme to prevent motorcyclists accessing the motocross course by the dune area and foreshore.
C 4. A traffic management and access method statement must be prepared after consultation with the DOTH and prior to holding the first motor cross event.
C 5. There may be marsh orchids which are protected under the Wildlife Act 1990 and Schedule 1 Birds nesting on the on the site; therefore a survey is required to be undertaken prior to holding the first motor cross event and if found the Applicant is required to consult the Conservation Officer, DAFF to seek advice thereon.
C 6. The approval hereby given for six additional motorcross events may not commence prior to 1700 hours till 20.30 hours on a Saturday and may not commence prior to 1100 hours till 1500 hours on a Sunday. No permission has been granted to operate any events during the weekdays.
N 1. The applicant is advised to consult Disability Access Office with regard to the needs of disabled users within the site.
N2 The applicant is encouraged to take all reasonable
APPLICATION No. ... Page of .
Site
Indicate or plan
Zoning
History
See File
Representations
See File
Objections - increase in traffic
the site e Surrounding areas (beach-foreshore).
Harbour Division - see File.
Many letters of support - site is needed!
APPLICATION No. ... Page of .
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