19 October 2018 · Head of Development Management (Stephen Butler)
Field 211090, Lane From Sandygate Road To Upper Ballacryre, Sandygate, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM7 3bs
The proposal sought permission for the change of use of a 1.81-acre agricultural field (Field 211090) to recreational/agricultural/horticultural use, involving seasonal siting of a motorhome for holiday/motorsport purposes, four timber-framed sheds (tractor shed, workshop, store, and composting toilet shed, all on conc…
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The officer assessed the principle of development first, noting that countryside development is restricted under General Policy 3(f), which allows only essential agricultural or forestry buildings, an…
Spatial Policy 5
Requires new development in defined settlements, permitting countryside development only per General Policy 3. Officer found proposal adversely affects countryside with no justification.
General Policy 3
Prohibits development outside zoned areas except essential agriculture/forestry operations (para f). Proposal's recreational use does not qualify, failing to set aside countryside restrictions.
Environment Policy 1
Protects countryside for its own sake; no development adversely affecting it unless overriding national need with no alternative. Sheds, motorhome, and vehicles cause visual harm without such need.
Environment Policy 15
Permits agricultural/horticultural buildings if need outweighs countryside policy, sited near building groups, sympathetic in scale/design. No agricultural need demonstrated; structures visually domestic and prominent.
Environment Policy 21
Cited in refusal reason for landscape harm (full details not expanded in report).
Highways Division deferred their response awaiting further information on visibility splays and access gate details, while Jurby Parish Commissioners objected to the proposal citing lack of zoning and overintensification.
Key concern: Area is not zoned for development and overintensification in agricultural field
Department of Infrastructure (DOI) - Highways Division
No CommentDefer - awaiting information; visibility standard of 2.4m x 90m is considered reasonable; Nothing above 1m in height could be provided within the visibility splay areas; the applicant should either confirm that the existing site gate opens inwards into the site or alternatively provide details of a revised gate arrangement to ensure the gate does not obstruct the adjacent public highway when opened
Jurby Parish Commissioners
ObjectionJurby Parish Commissioners have now considered the above proposed development, and are opposed to such proposal; The Commissioners consider the proposal should be refused and the applicant directed to remove all the sheds and concrete padding that has already been erected
The original application for use of part of an agricultural field for recreational purposes, stationing a motorhome for holiday use from March to September, and retrospective erection of four sheds and a concrete pad for solar panels was refused by the Department. The appellant argued personal need for frequent visits to marshal TT events, minimal impact compared to nearby uses, and benefits like landscaping and solar power. The Council defended refusal citing contravention of General Policy 3 and Environment Policy 1 of the Strategic Plan 2016, protecting countryside from non-exception development. The inspector found the development contrary to policies, harming the rural character with no overriding need, and recommended dismissal. The Minister concurred, upholding the refusal.
Precedent Value
Reinforces strict countryside protection; personal/recreational uses on agricultural land unlikely to succeed without fitting policy exceptions. Applicants must demonstrate policy compliance over convenience, avoiding assumptions on prior advice.
Inspector: Michael Hurley BA DipTP
