Polytunnel Planning Statement
- Details of supporting information for the Planning Officer to take into account.
Ballaneven Compost & Horticulture Ltd has been in operation for 18 years and is under new management. The facility has a licence to accept green waste generated on the Island and recycled into peat free compost for onward sales. We have recently been awarded the 'made in' the Isle of Man label and earned the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man accreditation. We are currently working towards the industries 'PAS 100' standard and have also had meetings with the Manx NFU and DEFA to discuss the potential of using compost in agriculture. A bagging machine has also been recently purchased to produce 40ltre bags to sell in bulk to local garden centres.
To support the sales of compost in these new ventures, a polytunnel is needed as an essential horticultural facility to test and record its ability to grow seedlings, plants, and crops to provide customers with a proven track record. It is necessary for the continued development of our horticultural business.
The proposed site for the polytunnel is not visible from the Poortown road or when travelling along the A3. It cannot be seen by any members of the public and there are no neighbours nearby or overlooking. It will be positioned lengthways alongside an established hedge for shelter and for maximum use of sunlight. The site is currently used to store various equipment. These will be relocated into a new shed (16/00976/B) which is currently being constructed. The location of the shed (16/00976/B) has a steep, slopping surrounding area. It would not be possible to position the polytunnel adjacent to this shed. The proposed area is the least obtrusive and has low visual impact to any visitors to the business.
We intend to purchase the polytunnel from a specialist firm called First Tunnels, a UK based company. The covering will be of super therm, 200 micron polythene.
Please see attached photographs for further information.
We hope after your kind consideration the planning board will approve this application.
