11 September 2024 · Delegated - Principal Planner (Chris Balmer)
Field 622432 (Formerly 2432) Adjacent To, Dhoon Loop Road, Dhoon, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM7 1hl
The proposal seeks approval for two existing mobile field shelters already erected in open countryside fields for sheltering sheep and lambs, secure storage of feed, veterinary products, and farm machinery on a 25-acre sheep farm with 50 ewes.
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The officer found sufficient agricultural need justified by the applicant's 50 ewes on 25 acres Grade 3 land, need for shelter during bad weather/lambing, secure storage, and biosecurity, supported by…
General Policy 3
Prohibits development outside zoned areas except for essential agricultural buildings (para f). Officer assessed agricultural need sufficient to outweigh presumption, supported by DEFA and new welfare Act, unlike prior refusals lacking evidence.
Environment Policy 1
Protects countryside unless overriding national need with no alternative. Compact shelters screened by boundaries, low visual impact in AHLV, justified by agricultural welfare need.
Environment Policy 2
Prioritises landscape character in AHLV unless no harm. Buildings blend with undulations, backed by vegetation, smaller scale than prior refused larger structures.
Environment Policy 15
Requires agricultural need outweighing countryside policy, sited near groups, sympathetic scale/design. Need confirmed; shelters compact/timber, >20m from residences, not exposed.
Environment Policy 21
Restricts animal shelters if detrimental to countryside. Timber stable-like design reflects purpose, no cavity walls, minimal impact due to siting/scale.
Environment Policy 14
Protects versatile ag land (not Classes 1-2). Site is Grade 3; no permanent loss issue raised.
Agricultural use only
The buildings hereby approved must be used only for agricultural purposes. Reason: The countryside is protected from development and an exception is being made on the basis of agricultural need. As such the building must be used for the purposes for which it is approved.
Removal if use ceases
In the event that the agricultural buildings, hereby approved, are no longer used or required for agricultural purposes, the unused building/s shall be removed (including any concrete hardstanding) and the ground restored to its former condition, within 6 months of the date the use ceased. Reason: The buildings have been exceptionally approved solely to meet agricultural need and any subsequent retention including any foundations would result in an unwarranted intrusion in the countryside.
Agricultural use only (repeated)
The building must be used only for agricultural purposes. Reason: The countryside is protected from development and an exception is being made on the basis of agricultural need. As such the building must be used for the purposes for which it is approved.
Do not oppose; no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking
no objections
Recognises sheep welfare benefits under Animal Welfare Act 2023; shelters align with grant schemes; evidenced farming activity; well-constructed and serve purpose; supports approval as balanced approach
Three statutory consultees responded to application 24/00483/B for retrospective erection of two agricultural shelters: Highway Services found no significant highway impact, Garff Commissioners had no material objection despite disappointment over retrospective nature, and DEFA A…
Key concern: application was retrospective
Highway Services HDC
No ObjectionAfter reviewing this Application, Highway Services HDC finds it to have no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking, as the existing vehicular access to the fields is acceptable for the proposals.
Garff Commissioners
No ObjectionWhile members expressed disappointment the application was retrospective they had no material objection to the proposals.
DEFA Agricultural Policy Manager
SupportI am inclined to support the approval of both based on the following considerations; The Isle of Man Sheep Welfare Code (2004) suggests that shelter is beneficial during adverse weather conditions; With the new Animal Welfare Act 2023 now operational, there is a reinforced duty of care; DEFA's Agricultural Grant Schemes have historically supported the construction of buildings for the welfare management of sheep
