13 February 2019 · Planning Committee
Field 534017, Blackberry Lane, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM3 1ta
The application proposed formalising the existing temporary use of two football fields (Fields 534017 & 534018) as a campsite with 120 pitches during the TT Festival and IOM Festival of Motorcycling, organised by the Onchan Pensioners Social Club to raise funds for the football club.
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The officer noted the proposal was contrary to the Open Space designation but considered the camping incidental to the main recreational use, with the site remaining available for playing fields most …
General Policy 2
GP2 requires no significant adverse impacts on amenity or highway safety. Officer assessed separation distances (70m to boundary, 100m to camping) and existing car park, concluding 'The proposed development would not result in a significant adverse impact upon the living conditions of neighbouring residents' and is 'in accordance with GP2' for parking.
Recreation Policy 2
Presumes against loss of recreational facilities. Officer noted pitches may be unavailable temporarily but income reinvested in club/facilities makes it acceptable as 'incidental use' with conditions ensuring site remains primarily recreational.
Environment Policy 16
Encourages tourist developments in existing buildings. Noted but not directly applied as proposal uses open sports fields temporarily.
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.
No additional lighting
No approval is hereby granted or implied to any additional or extended periods of illumination by artificial means associated with the clubhouse approved on the site under 12/00016/B. Reason: To ensure that the operation of the campsite does not result in any adverse impact on the living conditions of those in the adjacent residential properties.
Limited use periods
The camp site may be available for use no earlier than seven days before the first practice associated with the TT and Manx Grand Prix/Festival of Motorcycling races and up to seven days after the last race in each case: the camp site may be erected within three days before this and taken down within three days after this, with the site available for recreation uses in between those events and times. Reason: to ensure that the camp site is an incidental use of the site, which should remain available for recreation purposes.
No Objection
Letter of support
Do not object; noted plan inaccuracies but camping away from western edge near Wildlife Site so no issue
Highways Division raised no objection subject to three specific conditions on access, parking, and usage periods; DEFA Biodiversity noted proximity to a wildlife site but did not object; Onchan District Commissioners initially deferred then recommended approval.
Key concern: proximity and slight intrusion into Summerhill Wetlands Wildlife Site
Highway Services Division
Conditional No ObjectionHighway Services does not oppose the application subject to the following conditions; Recommendation: DNOC
Conditions requested: All visitors/campers must use the existing primary access only; The site must not be used outside the TT and Festival of Motorcycling racing periods; Prior to the commencement of the development, the applicant is to submit a justification of the level of car and motorcycle parking that would be generated by the proposals and a plan for an associated suitably hard surfaced car parking area, to be agreed in writing by Planning. The extended car parking area is to be constructed on site as per the approved details prior to first use of the site as a campsite
DEFA Biodiversity
No ObjectionThough not an objection, I would like it noted that these fields run along the eastern edge of Summerhill Wetlands Wildlife Site; Wildlife sites, though not statutorily designated or recognised by law, are nonetheless sites of high wildlife value and should be recognised through the planning system
Conditions requested: If a bigger access area is required it should not intrude into the wildlife site
Onchan District Commissioners
SupportThe Commissioners recommend that the application be APPROVED for planning purposes only
Onchan District Commissioners
No CommentThe Commissioners request that the above application be DEFERRED until further written notification on the grounds that: 'The application to be considered at the next meeting of the Commissioners on 7th January 2019.'
