27 November 2023 · Council of Ministers
Elfin Glen And Claghbane Woods, Mountain Road, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 2bl
The proposal is for a small open-sided timber pavilion, 6.1m wide, 3.4m deep and 3.1m high to the ridge, made from timber of trees felled during woodland thinning, with interpretive panels in aluminium for public engagement.
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The key issue identified was the effect on the character and appearance of the woodland area. The pavilion would transform a woodland clearing into a usable shelter and educational space with interpre…
General Policy 3
General Policy 3 restricts development outside zoned areas except for essential agriculture/forestry operations or countryside interpretation works. The pavilion qualifies under exceptions (f) and (h) as it uses felled woodland timber and provides interpretive panels for wildlife engagement without felling additional trees. The officer found it appropriate as it facilitates recreational use in the woodland.
Environment Policy 1
ENV1 protects countryside ecology unless overridden by national need with no alternative. The pavilion does not adversely affect the woodland, being small-scale, using on-site materials, and enhancing public access without tree removal. It was assessed as appropriate, supporting health and wellbeing objectives.
Time limit
The development hereby approved shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision. Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
do not object
do not object
Highway Services HDC does not oppose the application due to no significant negative impact on highway safety, network functionality or parking. Garff Commissioners support the application for enhancing the visitor experience.
Highway Services HDC
No ObjectionAfter reviewing this Application, Highway Services HDC finds it to have no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and /or parking.
Garff Commissioners
SupportThe consensus was that the proposals would provide enhancement to the visitor experience in both the glen and woods area.; The Commissioners resolved to express support for the application and to recommend approval.
The application by Manx Wildlife Trust on behalf of DEFA for an open-sided timber pavilion in Claghbane Plantation woodland was determined by the Council of Ministers due to DEFA ownership. The Planning Authority supported the proposal, stating it would enhance visitor experience without harming character and appearance, in line with EP1 and GP3 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016 (IMSP). The inspector, after a site visit on 4 September 2023, agreed that the simple timber structure from local trees would integrate well, provide shelter and education, and support recreational use without detrimental impact. Garff Commissioners also supported it. The inspector recommended approval on 17 October 2023, subject to a commencement condition.
Precedent Value
This sets precedent that small-scale interpretive structures in managed woodlands using local timber are permissible under GP3(h) and EP1 where they enhance recreation without visual harm. Future applicants should emphasise public benefit, policy exceptions for countryside interpretation, and alignment with forestry/recreation strategies.
Inspector: Richard Perrins
