18 March 2019 · Planning Committee (Presenting Officer: Mr Chris Balmer)
Area Of Land Adjacent To, Upper Howe Farm, Old Castletown Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 1ab
The proposal involves extending an existing transmitting station at Carnane by adding four large white satellite dishes (11m diameter, up to 11.9m high on 54sqm concrete pads), two smaller 3.8m dishes (up to 5m high), a main building (23.3m x 11.6m x 6.5m high) for office, workshop and generator, two smaller equipment …
Click a button above to find applications similar to this one.
See how this application compares to similar ones — policies, conditions, and outcomes side by side.
The principle of development was accepted due to the site's long-established zoning as 'Transmitting Station Carnane' for over 36 years and prior approvals for similar satellite dishes on the adjacent…
General Policy 2
Requires development in zoning to respect site/surroundings, not adversely affect landscape character, habitats or amenities. Officer found proposal complies as zoned transmitting station, visual impact acceptable from distant views, contained within existing development envelope against hillside/towers.
Environment Policy 4
Protects local habitats including Wildlife Sites. 2016 MWT report confirmed low heathland quality but high potential; development 'unlikely to seriously impact' interest; DEFA agreed relevance and no objection.
Environment Policy 5
Mitigation for ENV4 impacts via conditions/minimisation. Acid rock track condition protects heathland habitat requiring acidic basis; natural regeneration encouraged.
Environment Policy 2
Protects Areas of High Landscape Value. Site in such area but development does not harm character as contained, distant views and existing towers dominate skyline.
Infrastructure Policy 3
Balances communications need against environmental impact, presumption against intrusive masts. Site zoned, prior approvals, no mast sharing issue; strategic national need demonstrated for satellite services.
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 14 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
Fencing colour
For the avoidance of doubt, the two metre-high fencing shown on approved Plan ES2-015, date-stamped as having been received 4th January 2019, shall be dark green in colour and retained thereafter. Reason: In the interest of reducing the visual impact of the fencing in view of its prominent location on this hillside.
Access track materials
Any hardcore or gravel material used to make up or maintain the access track within the application site shall be formed of local acid rock unless otherwise agreed in advance with the Department. Reason: In the interest of protecting the heathland habitat in the area, which requires an acidic basis.
Antenna removal
If any of the antennae are no longer required or used for the purpose stated in the application, they must be removed from site and the ground restored to its previous condition within six months of the cessation of use. Reason: to protect the visual amenities countryside from unwarranted development.
no objection
do not oppose
strong support citing alignment with Programme for Government enterprise/digital goals and National Telecoms Strategy
will benefit Island's technology infrastructure and position IOM as technology leader
world class infrastructure attracts business, creates jobs and long-term investment
supports Digital Island aspirations, unique capability, due care to aesthetics/environment
if best site then will put up with it
Multiple consultees including statutory bodies and parish commissioners raised no objections to the telecommunications site extension, with ecological concerns noted but addressed through recommendations; industry supporters endorsed the proposal for economic benefits.
Key concern: Development site lies within Douglas Head and Marine Drive Wildlife Site of high wildlife value
Manx Wildlife Trust
No CommentPlease find attached the citation for the Wildlife Site which covers the site involved in the above planning application.; Likely ecological features include lowland heathland and scrub along with their bird and invertebrate interest.
DEFA Ecosystem Policy Officer
Conditional No ObjectionI agree with the applicants that this document and its recommendations are still relevant. The recommendation to allow the heath to naturally regenerate is entirely appropriate.; I would request that machinery and materials are stored on the areas of bare ground to the east of the exiting site during the work to limit damage to heath.; I don’t think this is necessary due to the site location, trees are not really in keeping with the area.
Conditions requested: Machinery and materials are stored on the areas of bare ground to the east of the existing site during the work to limit damage to heath; Heath is encouraged to establish where appropriate; No planting of a line of bushes or small trees along the northern edge of the development site
Braddan Parish Commissioners
No ObjectionBraddan Commissioners met on 17 January 2019 and had no objections to the following planning applications: ... PA19/00010 – SES Satellite Leasing Limited
Highway Services
No ObjectionThe proposals should not create a significant increase in site traffic or parking demand and therefore no new highway issues should arise from the development.; Highway Services does not oppose the application.; Recommendation: DNO
DEFA Biosphere
No CommentThe proposed development site lies almost entirely within Douglas Head and Marine Drive Wildlife Site.; I request that more information on the Wildlife Site... is obtained from the Manx Wildlife Trust... before determination of this application.
Conditions requested: More information on the Wildlife Site, primarily the reasons for this areas' designation, is obtained from the Manx Wildlife Trust and this information be provided to planning for inclusion in the planning application before determination
Department of Enterprise
SupportDepartment’s support of this application; The Department therefore lends its support to this application.; This application delivers on a number Programme for Government Aims and Objectives.
