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November 2022 Prepared by: Ellis Brown, Architects 12 Strathallan Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas IM2 4NR
This application is for a variation of condition 9 of PA 12/01140/B relating to the additional use of the education centre for private function, corporate events and meeting use
The condition wording reads: -
This application is for the variation of the use of the education centre, to permit the additional use of the building. The application seeks that the building can also be used for activities associated with the other uses of the site, namely the Café, fishing activities, and the holiday lodge accommodation.
These activities would operate by private hire arrangement for functions, including but not limited to: -
The proposal for these uses is in addition to the uses currently in operation at the building, being educational and wildlife related.
The additional uses are proposed to retain the same opening hours in the day coinciding with the opening time of the remainder of the elements in the complex. These are namely 07.00 hrs to 23.00hrs as approved under PA 18/00885/B, dated October 2018.
The application emanates in part from the recent pandemic and associated restrictions, and the subsequent increased demand for facilities such as this. The desire to travel further afield for such events has declined. (due in part to the period of the pandemic restrictions and personal preference). Additionally, and most recently the effects of the “cost of living” matters, interest has shown to have increased for holding such events on the island – having the additional enhancement with the potential for visitors and thus wider economic benefit to the island.
The complex has recently had new management and their ambition is to enhance the use of the complex working in association with the “Visit Isle of Man” strategy of the government.
Wildlife events that have taken place have found that the fishing lakes themselves offer greater opportunity for the observation, investigation and education of wildlife, being rich in a diverse variety of species.
The “dipping pond” and the adjacent “garden” area were subject to becoming waterlogged and un-usable; thus, the area has been improved by the installation of artificial turf. This gives an ample and versatile space for outdoor classroom / group activities.
The shutdown of the site, during the pandemic, impacted on the Sunset lakes complex and this application seeks to enable the facility to be able to operate to a wider market and become sustainable as a long-term prospect again.
There was a previous planning application, reference 21/00776/B, submitted on the 7 October 2021. This was refused, citing the following reasons- (extract from the refusal notice dated 25th November 202)
In response to reason 4,GP2k & d – The current use created through the Education Centre, Café, Fishing activities and Holiday Lodge accommodation has become a place for those in Peel and the wider Island to enjoy an attractive outdoor setting on the West side of the Isle of Man. While many visitors to the centre have enjoyed experiencing fishing related matters, we see this change of use as an opportunity to extend the use to many more by creating a wider beneficial experience. Seminars and social events covering a broader spectrum would encourage communities to meet locally. It could be that the planting of indigenous trees, shrubs and some benches for the community to enjoy would further enhance the area further, although no formal proposals are included.
In response to reason CP2 - The creation of first the Education Centre and now the additional use applied for, creates a wonderful opportunity for the local population to enjoy a
facility close to the urban centre, but also within walking distance to gather. Provision has also been made for those who may choose to access the facility via car, bicycle or E Bike. We trust that the ambition of the new management team is matched by that of the planning authority to revive this recreation and education facility that can be of great benefit to the local community again.
The revised proposal addressed the concerns raised by the previous application and the support of this application would enable the facility to become a more sustainable business that would maximise its location whilst respecting the natural features of the site.
Documents included with this application. Ellis Brown Drawings: -
18/2691/06 Location Plan,plan and elevations of education centre –
as approved. 18/2691/ E / 100B Location plan as existing 18/2691 / E / 101C Site plan Plans and elevations of education centre – as
existing.
Existing photos: General external photos showing the existing situation. – Appendix A
Entrance to education centre area of complex.
View from education centre South over the fishing lakes
General view of building and area subject to this application
Wider view facing west. Left to right: - Fishing lake, Shop Café complex, Play area, Education centre.
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