Agricultural Building Planning Statement

Island Land-Based Services Limited

1991280

Mr Jacques van Wyngaardt

Field No: 622507, Kionehenin, Dhoon, Maughold, Isle of Man IM7 1HP

Erection of an Agricultural Building

Introduction

This planning application is for the erection of a general-purpose agricultural building at Kionehenin, Dhoon which will be have multiple uses and will avoid the requirement of having several smaller buildings scattered around the farm.

This report is to explain why the proposed agricultural building is essential for the agriculture business and that it does constitute an exception to warrant the setting aside of established planning policy aimed at protecting the countryside from unwarranted development.

The Applicant

Mr van Wyngaardt purchased Kionehenin in 2017 and is gradually restoring the house, gardens and land to ensure the long-term protection of the property for generations to come. He has the vision, drive and enthusiasm to make sure that any development is done with full regard to the scenic value of the area and, any construction work will only be undertaken if it is essential for the long-term management of the property.

The land at Kionehenin

The land totals 120 acres of which 100 acres is coastal moorland with the steeper land only suitable for sheep grazing. The rest of the land which is adjoining the coastal moorland is divided into small paddocks around the main homestead. The soils are predominantly grade 3, stony silty loams suitable for mixed farming. There are currently only 21 breeding ewes on the farm which needs to be increased to ensure the fields do not become under grazed which would result in scrub encroachment and then loss of biodiversity. It is anticipated that the farm will be able to support up to 150 breeding ewes plus 50 replacement ewe lambs.

The proposed agricultural building

The planning application is for a 50 x 25 metre building which will be divided into several distinct areas to enable the safety of those working on the property as well as the livestock.

The different sections of the building are:

• Sheep pens and handling facilities. This part of the building will be used throughout the year, hay will be stored in here when brought in during the summer. As it is fed to livestock during the winter, space will become available in case of adverse weather when all ewes will need to be brought inside and then in the spring for lambing. The minimum space allowance for pregnant ewes under the 'Welfare Code for Sheep' is 1.2m²/ewe for pregnant ewes which excludes trough areas. If all sheep had to be brought in during adverse weather conditions at least 300m² would be required to house and feed them excluding the area already being used for storage of hay. The area will also be utilised for shearing and other essential sheep work. An area will always be available throughout the year in case any sheep require veterinary treatment or must be isolated from the rest of the flock.

• Stabling. The existing stable block which is just south of the proposed building will be demolished so part of the new building will be used to replace the stables.
• Farm implements. This area will be used to ensure that all agricultural machinery can be stored under cover and thereby protecting it from harsh weather conditions. It will also avoid having machinery left outside which could distract from the scenic value of the area and become a hazard to wildlife.

A tractor, ATV, mower, topper, hay tedder will be stored in the area all year and, sheep feeding troughs, sheep hurdles for penning and other sheep handling equipment will be stored in the area when not in use.

• Toilet/shower. Essential basic requirements for anyone working with livestock and machinery.
• Farm office and secure store for animal medicines.
• Coffee room and First Aid Facilities

Access into building

As the building has three distinct areas, vehicular access for each is required to avoid risking the welfare of sheep, horses and people operating within the building. Pedestrian access for the sheep, horses and farm implement areas will avoid having to open the vehicular accesses when not required and double as emergency accesses. The pedestrian area for the stables is slightly wider than the other two pedestrian accesses so that an ATV can gain access relatively easily. The sheep area also requires an extra vehicular access for cleaning out the farmyard manure.

Other information

It should be noted that one of the requirements of selling finished lambs on the Island now is that farms must be "Farm Assured". The following are some of the standards which are required to become farm assured:

• Facilities as appropriate must be provided when necessary for the segregation/isolation and the care of sick or injured animals.
• All medicines must be kept in a secure locked store and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• Appropriate biosecurity measures must be planned and implemented to minimise the spread of disease within the farm and between other farms.
• All feed must be readily identifiable and stored in clean conditions to prevent any form of contamination.
• An effective control system must be in operation in the areas detailed to control infestation by vermin and other animals.
• Where necessary, there must be appropriate facilities for stock to give birth. This includes clean, dry bedding, adequate lighting to allow close inspection and provision of assistance if required.
• In the interests of security, fertiliser must be stored in such a way as to reduce the risk of theft.
• All paints, preservatives, disinfectants, baits, lubricants and other chemical products must be kept in a suitable store to prevent contamination and pollution.

In addition to Farm Assurance standards, sheep producers must adhere to DEFA's Welfare Code for Sheep which is based on the five freedoms. The recommendations in the Code help producers meet the requirements of the Animal Health Act and Welfare of Farm Animals Order.

The following are the recommendations in the Code which would be very difficult to adhere to without housing:

• Sheep should be provided with fresh feed, and any which is stale or contaminated should be removed from troughs before more is added.
• Feed should be palatable and of good quality.
• Arrangements should be made in advance to ensure that adequate supplies of suitable feed and water can be made available to sheep in emergencies, such as severe winter storms or summer drought.
• Provision should be made, and used when necessary, for the segregation and care of sick or injured animals.
• All sheep farmers should have easily operated and efficient handling pens, to facilitate routine management and treatment, on a size and scale to suit the flock numbers.
• A source of heat (for example a warmer box) should be available to revive weak lambs, but care should be taken to avoid overheating.
• For artificial rearing: A dry bed and adequate draught-free ventilation should be provided and where necessary, arrangements should be made to supply safe supplementary heating for very young lambs. Suitable accommodation should be available for sick or injured lambs. This should be separate from other livestock.

Biosecurity is another essential component of managing a sheep flock. To ensure biosecurity is maximised requires farmers having the ability to isolate sheep that are brought onto the farm for a period to ensure they are not suffering or are carriers of any diseases as well as facilities for segregating sick animals.

The farmyard manure produced from having livestock in the building would be put back onto the land at Kionehenin and thereby improving soil fertility and organic matter.

Summary and Conclusion

The applicant is gradually restoring the house, gardens and land to ensure the long-term protection of the property for generations to come. The proposed building will be an integral part of managing the land for producing top quality livestock, maintaining the scenic value of the area and biodiversity which will help the Island keep its UNESCO Biosphere region status.

In conclusion, the building does constitute an exception to warrant the setting aside of established planning policy aimed at protecting the countryside from unwarranted development.

Caroline Perry Island Land-Based Services Limited

Telephone: 07624 4490488

November 2019

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