12 June 2012 · Planning Committee
Ballakaighen Stud Farm, Whitebridge Road, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM4 6ad
The proposal at Ballakaighen Farm on Whitebridge Road, Onchan, involved changing use of agricultural fields (including field 531403) for a seasonal maize maze (planted in May, used July-October, harvested for cattle feed) and zorbing tracks (using 1-2 large inflatable balls rolling down hills, operational for 4 seasons…
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The officer acknowledged the proposal conflicted with Environment Policy 1 and General Policy 3 by extending recreational use into the countryside (designated open space under Onchan Local Plan), but …
General Policy 3
Restricts development outside zoned areas except specific exceptions (e.g. agriculture, rural building conversion); officer assessed no new buildings, limited earthworks not harmful to landscape, existing recreational precedent outweighed strict countryside protection.
Environment Policy 1
Protects countryside/ecology unless overriding national need; maize/zorb seen as low-impact (crop-like, not obvious), car park extension visible but mitigated by low profile and need to prevent highway parking; no unacceptable adverse effects found.
Approved plans
This permission relates to the use of the land for recreational facilities, extension to car park and formation of zorbing tracks shown in drawings received on 31st March 2011, 27 September 2011 and 18 October 2011 referenced AC-AF 1; AC-AF 2 A; AC-AF 3; AC-AF 4 and AC-AF 5.
No external lighting
There shall be no external lighting on any part of the site without the submission of a planning application seeking its approval.
Hours restriction
Use of the site as a maize maze or for zorbing shall not occur later than 6.30pm on any day.
No concurrent paintball/maize
There shall be no paintballing activities when the maize maze is in use.
Car park use only
The car park may be used only by residents of the farm or by visitors to the facilities.
No overnight vehicles
There shall be no parking or storage of, or overnight stay for motor-homes or caravans or any other vehicles not associated with the use.
Field use restriction
Field 531403 may be used only for agricultural purposes or as a maize maze and not for any other recreational use without the prior approval of the Planning Authority.
recommend that the application be APPROVED for planning purposes only
