Loading document...
1) Change of Condition C7 of original Planning (12/00136/B) to allow the use of the site for Campervans, Caravans and tents etc. for Easter Weekend and from last Friday in April until 2nd Monday in October:
(See Attached Artistic Impression BC-004 AI) TT Practise + Race Week; plus 1 week either side, MGP Practise + Race Week; plus 1 week either side, As per planning granted 12/00136/B Proposed change for the use of the whole field outside of above dates For Easter Weekend and from last Friday in April until 2nd Monday in October
Use the campsite as per diagram BC-004 AI, for all types of camping in any towed or mechanically propelled vehicle designed or adapted for the purpose of accommodation for vacation/tourism, including but not limited to;
The area designated child play area will be left clear to allow adequate space for children to play football/rounder's/cycling etc.
Picnic tables are spread randomly around the site.
We encourage families to be active and outdoors using local amenities such as Ballaugh Glen, Ballaugh Beach, and walking routes. As well as discovering nature and wildlife thus educating the children.
We are recognised by the government as a site for Dark sky activities.
We have many Cycling / Walking groups visit the site, to use the designated cycle tracks around the area.
We have a dedicated Recycling area, and rubbish bin area. This helps reduce the chances of litter being blown around the site, and aids the site to be in line with our countryside ethos of being environmentally friendly.
We actively manage the site and have planted various hedgerow species to encourage wildlife and screening.
The campsite is situated within 200 yds. from one of the Islands main bus route. People who stay, use the local facilities (Spar) for provisioning and entertainment (Raven Pub).
Already this year we have taken bookings from visitors from off island for the follow events;
We are also helping organising events for the following groups.
On Trip advisor for Ballamoar Campsite you will find nothing but positive good comments and reports, since taking over in 2014 from visitors both local and further afield. (annex 1)
Last year the previous Lieutenant governor visited the site and was impressed with the development and how it was run.
We have included comments from our Visitor book showing the distance and type of customers we have and the positive comments made both local and from abroad. (annex 2)
Other letters of support (Annex 3)
To refer to the strategic planning for 2016 and other government departments (Tourism, DEFRA etc.) we fit all the benefits for increased and sustainable tourism, benefits to the community, environmental awareness, and local employment opportunities.
1) The Campsite is within 200yrds of a main bus route. 2) We are looking at employing 2 seasonal workers, as well as only using local business for stock replenishment, services etc. 3) We have a policy of no excessive noise after 10pm or before 8 am on site. We are very conscious of the surrounding area and are in regular discussions with locals who are closest to the site, as well as having an open door policy for anyone who has concerns.
4) The local Pub and shop both benefit from additional foot traffic and in the summer months' increase trading hours and staff.
5) The Department of tourism has issued the campsite with a 3-star award. The IOM tourism strategy diversification for new products / customers for 2015 highlighted log cabins and caravans as an area to encourage new tourists to the island.
6) We are near to the millennium way - popular with walkers, the plantation and cycling tracks through the plantation, on the end to end cycle route (a large event supported by the government)
7) We have a golf club and beach within a close distance.
8) We are disabled friendly and regularly have visitors who are disabled and therefore require a motorhome or caravan as they are unable to stay in a tent.
9) There is a shortage of hotels and beds in the north of the island and we provide a valuable service.
10) We are the only Campsite in the Best Business Guide (recommendations only)
11) The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and food has placed emphasis on farm diversification to reduce dependency on subsidies. The Campsite is part of the Farm.
12) The following local groups among others all use the site on a regular basis
St Johns Ambulance Scouts Duke of Edinburgh Guide dogs for the blind Isle of Man Bank (Environmental initiatives) - They did a tree plantation in Ballaugh as a community project Friends of Ballaugh School
13) We provide recycling and promote environmentally friendly practises on site whenever possible.
14) We actively manage the grounds and Hedgerows for wildlife.
Concluding General Statement
If Planning is not granted for the field to be used by Motorhomes and Caravans outside of TT & MGP we unfortunately have calculated that none of the current events will be able to take place.
It would be financially unviable for the site to remain open for just visitors in tents. If we unable to get planning to expand our remit to allow campervans and caravans (camping has moved on from the traditional A frame canvas tent) we do not see the future for the business and the end result would be having to close the site outside of TT & MGP.
The closure of the site would include the loss of any seasonal jobs, and have a detrimental effect to the shop, the pub and the local community and additionally to local businesses such as the wildlife park, the Jurby Motor Museum, Ramsey Grove museum, Milne Town tea rooms, and local/ island wide suppliers (WDS, Gellings, UFP, NFU, AF Electrics, Mike Kerruish Limited, Mac's Builders Merchants, Yes Electric, Cu Plas, Haldane Fisher - All of which I use on a regular basis to upgrade facilities).
We attract adventure enthusiasts as well as those visiting friends and families (both local and from afar).
We hope that we can work with planning Department to continue to provide the services that have been developed on our site over that last 9 years. We will do our best to address any concerns made in a timely manner.
Copyright in submitted documents remains with their authors. Request removal
View as Markdown