16 December 2025 · Delegated
Street Record, C1382, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 2bw
The application (25/90937/B) proposed installing 2 telegraph poles with associated cabling to provide fibre optic connectivity to 12, 14, 15, 16 and 18 Barrule Park, Ramsey. The area is described as a mix of traditional bungalows and some chalet bungalows, with properties generally fronting the highway and set back from the pavement. The application was refused because the poles and cabling would be likely to cause an unacceptable negative visual impact on the character of the street scene due to their height, size and scale. It was also refused because the poles would introduce visually intrusive infrastructure in a sensitive residential setting, and the application was considered not to demonstrate a strategic national need or to adequately justify why alternative options had not been pursued.
The Head of Development Management determined to refuse the application under delegated authority. The refusal was based on concerns that the telegraph poles and associated cabling would have an unacceptable adverse visual impact on the character of the street scene and the visual amenity of a sensitive residential area. The decision also states that the application failed to demonstrate a strategic national need or adequately justify why alternatives were not pursued.
Refusal Reasons
General Policy 2b,c,g
contrary to the provisions of General Policy 2b,c,g which seeks to protect the character of the street scene
Infrastructure Policy 3
contrary to Infrastructure Policy 3, which seeks to balance the need for communications infrastructure with its environmental impact
Strategic Policy 1c
Development should make the best use of resources (c)
Spatial Policy 2
Named service centre (Ramsey)
Strategic Policy 2: New development will be located primarily within our existing towns and villages, or, where appropriate, in sustainable urban extensions(2) of these towns and villages. Development will be permitted in the countryside only in the exceptional circumstances identified in paragraph 6.3. (1) Open Space is defined in Appendix 1. (2) Sustainable Urban Extensions are defined in Appendix 1 4.3.2 Appendix 3 to the Plan identifies the towns and villages, and also explains why the Department has rejected the idea of a new settlement, which was mooted in the Consultation Draft published in May 2000. 4.3.3 Each of our towns and villages has an ind ividual character arising not only from its geographical position and existing fabric, but also from its historical, cultural, and social background. This character should be protected and enhanced. Accordingly:
Environment Policy 22
Safeguarding the environment and/or the amenities of surrounding properties
Environment Policy 22: Development will not be permitted where it would unacceptably harm the environment and/or the amenity of nearby properties in terms of: i) pollution of sea, surface water or groundwater; ii) emissions of airborne pollutants; and iii) vibration, odour, noise or light pollution. 7.17.2 In addition to the above, changes in the activities associated with the current permitted use of land or a building, which in themselves do not constitute development and therefore do not require planning permission, can have an adverse impact on adjacent properties by virtue of noise, light or general disturbance. For example the addition of security lig hting on a property may cause light pollution affecting adjacent properties and the wider area. The introduction of new activities into established parks and recreation areas can have an impact on neighbours. In such cases the Department would advocate t he person or organisation considering the change to give careful consideration to the potential impact of such activity in terms of location, siting and design.
Protection of the landscape and biodiversity (b)
Trees and Hedges
1-29 Ballamillagyhn Estate Mount Rule Douglas
similar applications that have been approved
22 - 28 Riverbank Road Ramsey
similar applications that have been approved
2-8 Ballasteen Drive, Andreas
similar applications that have been approved
Thornhill Park Ramsey
applications within Ramsey, have all been refused by the planning committee
Fairways Drive, Ramsey
applications within Ramsey, have all been refused by the planning committee
Claughbane Estate, Ramsey
applications within Ramsey, have all been refused by the planning committee
Marlborough Crescent, Ramsey
applications within Ramsey, have all been refused by the planning committee
Installation of telegraph poles to supply fibre communications to Tromode Douglas
were initially refused by the Planning committee (30/06/25) and following an appeal were both subsequently recommended for refusal by the planning inspector and upheld
Installation of telegraph poles to supply fibre communications to Tromode Douglas
were initially refused by the Planning committee (30/06/25) and following an appeal were both subsequently recommended for refusal by the planning inspector and upheld