5 April 2012 · Delegated - Development Control Manager (Jennifer Chréé)
Mount Karrin Farm, Sulby Glen, Sulby, Isle Of Man, IM7 2bb
The proposal was for approval in principle to erect a modest agricultural worker's dwelling next to an existing agricultural building on a small 2.11-acre site off a private farm lane on the western side of the A14 Sulby Glen Road.
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The officer concluded there was no established agricultural need sufficient to outweigh countryside protections, as the farm is currently leased out and the applicant intends to take it in hand as a n…
Environment Policy 1
Protects countryside (land outside settlements/not designated) unless overriding national need outweighs protection and no alternative. Officer found no overriding agricultural need to justify in countryside.
Environment Policy 2
In Areas of High Landscape Value/Scenic Significance, landscape character paramount unless no harm or location essential. Site in such area; need not essential, potential visual harm despite screening.
Environment Policy 15
New agricultural buildings/dwellings permitted if need outweighs countryside policy, sited near building groups, sympathetic scale/form. Need unproven; site near existing barn but remote from main grazing.
General Policy 3
Allows essential housing for agricultural workers (cross-ref Housing Policies 7-10). Essential need not demonstrated.
Housing Policy 7
New agricultural dwellings only in exceptional circumstances with real need demonstrated. DEFA found merit but unproven for new business.
Some merit as labour requirement sufficient and animal welfare could improve with on-site dwelling, but more confidence needed if improvements in place for 3 years
Defer - no information on vehicular access; later do not oppose
Interest due to underground cables/overhead lines; contact for safety and supply
Multiple consultees responded to planning application 11/01294/A for an agricultural worker's dwelling at Mount Karrin, Sulby Glen, Lezayre, with Lezayre Parish Commissioners objecting unanimously across multiple comments citing poor land quality, zoning issues, and stability con…
Key concern: impact on Area of High Landscape Value and Scenic Significance
Lezayre Parish Commissioners
ObjectionRefused Unanimous. Previous comments still stand.; Refused unanimous. The land is very poor – vertical.; Refused unanimous. The land is not zoned.
Conditions requested: Would it be possible to have a report from DEFA which would identify a need for this farm dwelling?
DEFA Agricultural Advisor
Conditional No Objectionthere would be sufficient labour requirement and that the animal health and welfare could be improved should a dwelling be located on the site. There is therefore some merit for a dwelling being located on site. However... I would have more confidence... had the proposed changes been in place for a period of at least three years.
Conditions requested: proposed changes been in place for a period of at least three years
Manx National Heritage
Objectionthe protection of the character of the landscape will be the most important consideration unless it can be shown that: (a) the development would not harm the character and quality of the landscape; or (b) the location for the development is essential; MNH is concerned... that there is no guarantee that a dwelling if approved will remain in agricultural use, or simply be used as a prelude for a further application to build a more substantial dwelling for non-agricultural occupation
Conditions requested: suitable conditions may be enforced restricting its future use; indicate... the size of the development that will be permitted under a detailed application; attach a condition that any future attempts to extend the building beyond a certain area or height would not be allowed; comply with Planning Circular 3/91
Manx Electricity Authority
No ObjectionSee Note 2
Conditions requested: Contact the M.E.A. Planning Department (Tel. 687781), to discuss the electricity supply for this application.
Highways Division
No CommentDefer; No information regarding vehicular access onto the main road
The Planning Committee refused approval in principle for an agricultural workers dwelling on a 400-acre hill farm in an area of High Landscape Value and Scenic Significance, citing lack of proven long-term viability, prior farming without on-site dwelling, limited low ground, and preference for existing dwellings. The appellant argued the farm's recent development with livestock requiring constant on-site monitoring, supported by letters from DAFF, vet, and NFU, and compliance with Planning Circulars 1/88 and 3/88. The inspector, after site visit and inquiry, found the farm divided into remote high grazing land and a recent intensive calf rearing unit at low level; the high land did not need on-site presence, and the rearing unit could be operated from an existing nearby dwelling without needing a new build in protected countryside. The appeal was recommended for dismissal and the Minister confirmed dismissal on 20 November 1996.
Precedent Value
This appeal shows inspectors rigorously test functional agricultural need in sensitive countryside, requiring proof that operations cannot be managed from existing dwellings and full site suitability; future applicants must provide financial viability evidence and demonstrate unified farm operations tied to the site.
Inspector: C A Jenkins
