Why Was This Refused?
- ✓Proposed stable block, dressage area, driveway and upgraded access in a high landscape and coastal value area
- ✓Engineering works considered excessive, lasting, and permanently damaging to the site's visual character
- ✓Scale of development deemed out of keeping with the surrounding area
- ✓Application did not adequately address surface water drainage impacts
- ✓Site located in Maughold parish, Isle of Man, in an area of scenic significance
- ✓scale
- ✓character
- ✓drainage
This application sought approval in principle for a stable block, dressage area, driveway, and upgraded access on fields adjacent to Magher Drine, Ballajora, Ramsey. The site sits within an area of high landscape or coastal value and scenic significance in Maughold parish. The application was refused in December 2006. Decision-makers found that the extent of the engineering operations needed to prepare the site would permanently and significantly alter its visual appearance, to the detriment of the surrounding landscape. The scale of the proposed development was also considered excessive and out of keeping with the area. A further reason for refusal was that the application did not adequately demonstrate the effects of the proposed engineering works on surface water drainage, leaving a key environmental concern unresolved.
The application was refused on two grounds. First, the scale of engineering works and development was judged excessive and out of keeping with a landscape of high scenic and coastal value, with permanent changes to the site's appearance considered inappropriate. Second, the application failed to adequately demonstrate how the engineering operations would affect surface water drainage.
Refusal Reasons
- ✕The development proposed by the planning application is deemed to unacceptable by reason: a) that due to the extent of the engineering operations and proposed level of development the proposal will significantly alter the visual appearance of the site within the surrounding area, to the detriment of visual amenity within an area of high landscape or coastal value and scenic significance; b) that the extent of the engineering operations required to facilitate the proposed development would be excessive and lasting. Such excessive works, which would change the appearance of the site forever, are considered inappropriate and unnecessary; and c) that based on the illustrative drawings and information within the planning application the scale of the proposed development is deemed excessive and out of keeping with the surrounding area.
- ✕Notwithstanding the first reason for refusal the planning application fails to adequately demonstrate the effects of the proposed engineering operations and development on the surface water drainage.
