16 June 2020 · Planning Committee
Field 534017, Blackberry Lane, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 1ta
Onchan Pensioner Social Club applied to build a new clubhouse measuring 20m x 11.4m with timber cladding and a pitched roof, and to level and form two football pitches across two fields (534017 & 534018), retaining the existing boundary hedgerow.
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The officer attached significant weight to the extant 2012 approval (12/00016/B) for a football pitch and clubhouse on the site, which has commenced, establishing the principle of use despite the site…
General Policy 3
Prohibits development outside zoned areas except in specific cases including developments of overriding national need. Officer applied exception (g) due to community gain from sports facilities where no suitable alternative sites exist in Onchan/Douglas.
Recreation Policy 1
Requires retention of sporting facilities and provision for deficiencies. Proposal provides needed junior pitches supporting Onchan AFC growth, with no alternative provision lost.
Recreation Policy 2
Prevents loss of open space/recreation unless community gain with no significant effect. Despite non-designated status, extant approval and future playing field annotation in Draft Plan give weight; overall gain acceptable.
Transport Policy 1
Requires development near public transport. Site within settlements close to transport modes.
Transport Policy 4
Highways must accommodate generated traffic safely. No highway safety issues; access on Blackberry Lane accepted.
Transport Policy 7
Requires parking per standards. Condition ensures 51 formal spaces; Highway Services satisfied.
General Policy 2
Protects neighbouring amenities. No significant impact due to 70m+ separation and wooded screening.
Time limit
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. 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.
Parking layout
Prior to the commencement of any works and detail plan showing how the 51 parking spaces are to be formally laid out shall be submitted and approved by the Department and this approved scheme shall be completed prior to the use of either the clubhouse or two pitches, kept permanently available for the parking of vehicles associated with the club/s and retained thereafter. Reason: to ensure sufficient off road parking spaces are provided on site and in the interests of highway safety.
Junior use only
Only junior players not exceeding 18 years of age shall use the pitches (excluding coaches etc) hereby approved. No senior matches shall be played on the pitch. Reason: Permission has been granted on the basis for Onchan AFC only.
Retain field boundary
The existing field boundary which separates Fields 534017 & 534018 as shown on plan OAFC_IOM_124 shall be retained. Reason: In the interest of visual amenities of the site/area.
No floodlights
For the avoidance of doubt no approval is hereby grand for any external floodlights to either pitch or attached to the clubhouse hereby approved. A further planning application would be required for such lightning. Reason: In the interests of the visual amenities of the area.
No storage containers
No approval is hereby granted for the approval of any containers/storage units current within the site and such structures require additional planning approval. Reason: In the interests of the visual amenities of the area.
satisfied that parking provision is adequate following additional information; no objection on highway safety
recommend approval after receiving additional parking and drainage information
fully support; vital for junior football growth, Onchan AFC is one of largest clubs needing pitches
support; facility will help maintain and grow club membership from U6 to veterans
supports community benefits, youth development, mental health, better facilities for juniors including girls, aligns with Manx Sport policy
Public representations include one objection from a local resident citing confusion over applicant, lack of progress, drainage issues and wildlife impact, multiple supports from residents for community benefits, and a conditional support from Onchan District Commissioners requesting more information on parking and drainage.
Key concern: surface water drainage issues
Onchan District Commissioners
Conditional No Objectionthe Commissioners are in support of such a facility being provided within the district, they would recommend that the application still be DEFFERED until further information is provided; question if this amount of parking provision would now be adequate to service two football pitches
Conditions requested: Further information demonstrating consideration of adequate parking (previously 51 spaces for one pitch); Measures taken to alleviate the current surface water drainage issues
