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24th August 2020
Ms E J Callow
Secretary to the Planning Committee
Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture
Murray House
Mount Havelock
Douglas
IM1 2SF
Dear Ms Callow,
PA 20/00894/A Land North West of Ballaragh Old Farm House Laxey.
Approval in principle for the erection of a dwelling
I write on behalf of Manx National Heritage (‘MNH’), whose statutory responsibilities
pertaining to the protection of the cultural and natural heritage of the Isle of Man are
defined under the terms of the Manx Museum and National Trust Act.
Agricultural buildings that fall into disrepair, such as the one in this planning
application, often have the potential to support roosting bats. This application seeks
approval for the development of new dwellings which will involve stone barn being
demolished.
In order to establish the presence or absence of bats in the existing stone barns we
request that, prior to any works being carried out, a bat survey be undertaken and a
report submitted to the Planning Department detailing the findings of the survey and
any appropriate mitigation required should bats be present.
Bats are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act 1990. It is an offence to intentionally
or recklessly kill, injure, take, damage, destroy, obstruct access to any structure or
place bats use for shelter or protection or to disturb bats while they occupy a
structure or place which they use for that purpose.
Yours sincerely
Erica
Erica Spencer
Environmental Planner & Ecologist
