9 July 2018 · Planning Committee
Field 434773, Grenaby Road, Ballasalla, Isle Of Man, IM9 3bd
The proposal sought permission for a change of use of open countryside land to a clay pigeon shooting range, including three retrospective timber field shelters (each 3.7m x 3.1m, 2.9m high to apex, 2.4m to eaves) for dual use as animal shelters and shooter cover.
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The officer assessed the proposal against countryside protection policies (ENV1, ENV2, GP3), acknowledging potential for small-scale rural recreation diversification but finding environmental harms un…
Environment Policy 22
Prohibits development causing unacceptable noise pollution harming amenity of nearby properties. Officer measured shooting noise up to 55dB(A) at neighbours (15dB above ambient), audible despite topography; irregular frequency (up to 5 days/week, 0900-2000hrs) and cartridge variability made it detrimental in tranquil rural area.
Recreation Policy 5
Requires retention of public rights of way; development affecting them only if no less attractive. Noise (up to 76dB at 60m on path) and perception of shooting range crossing reduced enjoyment/safety, deterring users.
Environment Policy 1
Presumption against development in countryside/High Landscape Value areas. Shooting facility materially affected rural tranquillity despite recreation merits.
Environment Policy 2
Protects landscape character. Facility harmed semi-rural tranquillity of incised slopes area.
General Policy 2
Requires development respecting amenity (g), safety (m). Failed on noise to residents/footpath, perceived danger.
Environment Policy 15
Permits agriculture-related development with proven need. Insufficient evidence for shelters' agricultural justification beyond photos of sheep.
General Policy 3
Presumption against non-agricultural development in countryside unless justified (e.g. GP3f agriculture). Shooting not locally needed; shelters lacked need.
Environment Policy 4
Protects watercourses from pollution. Risk of lead/clay residues entering Silver Burn unproven prevented.
Environment Policy 7
Safeguards water quality. Potential pollutants from operation.
no objection
full support as additional visitor attraction fitting Destination Management Plan, enhancing guest opportunities at site
valuable for shooting/farming diversity, low environmental impact
no concerns with range as operated, shooting not within 30 feet of footpath
Consultation responses include no objections from Malew Parish Commissioners and support from Department for Enterprise Tourism, deferral from Highways pending information, and positive police range inspection report with recommendations for a firearms license.
Key concern: Further information required on vehicle movements, parking, travel arrangements and health and safety (Highways)
Malew Parish Commissioners
No ObjectionMalew Parish Commissioners have no objection to these Planning Applications.
Malew Parish Commissioners
No ObjectionMalew Parish Commissioners have no objection to the following Planning Applications.
Department of Infrastructure Highways Division
No CommentDefer - awaiting information; Further information is required and the applicant has been requested to provide: 1. The number of shoots per week and the number of attendees per shoot. 2. Details of how parties travel from the estate office to the site of the shoot and a copy of the health and safety plan for any interaction with the highway. 3. Details of parking facilities available for all site uses.
Department for Enterprise Tourism Division
SupportThe New Product Team at Isle of Man Tourism, Department for Enterprise fully supports the above planning application.; The development of a clay shooting facility would provide the Isle of Man with an additional attraction for it's visitors.
Police Tactical Firearms Unit
SupportI feel there are no reasons to refuse a license on this property.; Once again it is my opinion that a license should be granted for this proposed range.
Conditions requested: A copy of the range orders is displayed in a prominent position.; A log is kept for all firers to sign saying they have read and understood the range orders.; A sign on the gate leading to the proposed range saying 'live firing in progress, no entry'.; A log is kept for guests to sign with number of shots discharged.; In range orders I feel we must insist that some form of either verbal or audio signal is adopted to check fire (STOP STOP STOP, or a long whistle blast).; A briefing is given to all firers prior to the commencement of the shoot.; The check fire signal which ever is decided upon is explained.
The original application for a clay pigeon shooting facility and three field shelters with alternative agricultural use on unzoned countryside land was refused by DEFA for reasons including public safety risks near Footpath No 423, potential pollution of the Silver Burn, absence of agricultural justification for shelters, unacceptable noise on nearby residents, and adverse impact on footpath enjoyment. The appellant argued that safety measures like PIR sensors, police approval, minimal usage (4 hours/week), low noise levels below CIEH thresholds, no lead pollution evidence, and agricultural use of shelters justified approval, supported by economic diversification benefits and endorsements from shooting bodies. The inspector found safety inadequate given 15m proximity to footpath breaching 275m CPSA standard, possible future pollution risks warranting precaution, proven resident annoyance despite topography, and shelters primarily for shooting not agriculture. All refusal reasons were upheld as breaches of multiple Strategic Plan policies. The Minister accepted the inspector's recommendation to dismiss the appeal on 10 April 2019.
Precedent Value
Demonstrates strict application of CPSA/CIEH safety/noise buffers even with mitigations; precautionary pollution stance for watercourses; subjective resident evidence outweighs measurements; rural diversification benefits rarely override countryside protections without perfect compliance.
Inspector: Michael Hurley BA Dip TP
