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Application No.: 25/90314/B Applicant: Moaney Moar Farm Proposal: Erection of manege with associated stabling facilities and feed and tractor store Site Address: Moaney Moar Farm Ballabooie Road Cronk Y Voddy Kirk Michael Isle Of Man IM6 1BA Planning Officer: Hamish Laird Photo Taken: 12.05.2025 Site Visit: 12.05.2025 Expected Decision Level: Planning Committee Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 19.05.2025 _________________________________________________________________
C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions
Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
Reason: To ensure that high quality materials are used for the equestrian facilities which reflect and preserve the character of the site and surroundings and impart a high quality finish in the interests of visual amenity.
Reason: To ensure that the site is adequately drained and does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.
Reason: To minimise the impact of the development on Bats, Birds and any other Protected Species and safeguard the rural character and amenities of the area including minimising the impact of the development on the rural night sky.
Reason: To ensure the provision of an appropriate landscape setting to the development, and to safeguard the appearance of the development and the surrounding area.
Reason: The application has been assessed on the basis of an equestrian facility as part of the wider use of the farm holding for agricultural purposes only as requested in the application.
Reason: The arena has been permitted solely in conjunction with the applicants existing use and its subsequent retention without that need would result in an unwarranted feature in the countryside contrary to Strategic Policy 4 and General Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.
This application has been recommended for approval for the following reason. The proposal complies with General Policy 2, General Policy 3, and Environment Policies 1, 2, 19, 20, and 21 in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016, and is recommended for approval.
Plans/Drawings/Information; This approval relates to: Drawing No. 100 - Site Location Plan @ scale 1:250 showing site edged red and Estate Land edged blue - received 24th March, 2025;
_________________________________________________________________ Right to Appeal It is recommended that the following organisations should NOT be given the Right to Appeal: Department of Infrastructure Highways Services - No objection.
_________________________________________________________________ Officer’s Report
THE PLANNING APPLICATION IS BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMITTEE AT THE REQUEST OF THE PRINCIPAL PLANNER AS THE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSES A LARGE EQUESTRIAN BUILDING ON A SITE THAT IS NOT DESIGNATED FOR DEVELOPMENT
1.0 THE SITE - 1.1 The site comprises part of the equestrian facility curtilage of Moaney Moar Farm, Ballabooie Road, Cronk Y Voddy, Kirk Michael. It involves the site of an existing outdoor, fenced manege with a sand surface, which is set to the rear of an array of stable and agricultural buildings with adjoining farm dwelling and to the east of a smaller manege and pony paddock with jumps. - 1.2 The farm is an active commercial operation with livery services. The site is located approximately 36 metres from Ballabooie Road (side road) and about 105 meters from Cronk Y Voddy Road (A3 main road). The manege lies at a level approximately 2 metres lower in elevation than the existing stable block. The surroundings are countryside.
2.0 THE PROPOSAL - 2.1 The full planning application proposes proposal is the erection of manege with associated stabling facilities and feed and tractor store. - 2.2 The Planning Statement accompanying the application advises: "The proposed barn will have the following dimensions:
2.3 In an email received on 16 June, 2025, the applicants advised that: ….."the proposed large barn is required to provide year-round facilities for exercising livestock, (primarily horses). The proposed barn would also include both private and commercial stabling. The applicants consider that this would enhance the existing agricultural and equestrian facilities at the farm. In an email received on 14 June, 2025, the applicants advised that: "the applicant's principal focus on equestrian use. Historically, the site has also accommodated a small number of donkeys (typically one or two). While there are currently no donkeys on site, the applicant would prefer not to be restricted to horses only. There is no intention to keep other conventional farm livestock (e.g. cattle, sheep, pigs), though the applicant may explore the possibility of keeping a small number of llamas in future, which would be kept in a similar lowimpact manner to equines. If this were to present any issue in planning terms, the applicant would be happy to submit an additional or amended application separately at a later date, following the successful determination of the current application.
The wider landholding is arable and is used predominantly for the production of fodder for the applicant's horses, with any surplus sold to local equestrian outlets."
2.4 The applicant further advise that: "The Hay and Tractor Store is intended solely for the storage of feed, bedding, and equipment associated with horse care, as well as housing a tractor for land management purposes.".
3.0 PLANNING HISTORY - 3.1 93/01426/B - Alterations to create farm display unit with parking and refreshments, Moaney Moar Farm, Cronk-y-Voddy, German. Permitted - 01.09.1994. - 3.2 92/00502/A - Approval in principle for conversion of farm building into residential accommodation, Moaney Moar Farm, Cronk-y-Voddy, German. Permitted. - 3.3 91/01112/B - Construction of agricultural building, Moaney Moar, Cronk-y-Voddy, German. Permitted. - 3.4 84/01078/B - Erection of agricultural building, Moaney Moar Farm Complex, Cronk y Voddy, German. Permitted. - 3.5 OTHER SIMILAR CASES - 3.6 It is worth noting the following details relate to similar cases for equestrian development and their outcomes: - 3.7 PA 19/01426/B - New 20m x 60m indoor arena at Sunnycroft, Rhendoo Road, Jurby approved - 19.05.2020.
Case Officer's comments: This site is in a rural location approx. 2km SE of Jurby East - lowland setting - the building would be located to the SE of the existing farm building complex. The site is more open with less adjoining tree cover than the PA 21/00550/B proposals with views of the site directly from Rhendoo Road. It would be screened from views from the north by the existing dwelling and farm buildings/equestrian facilities on the site. The site and surroundings are relatively flat with distant views of the mountains to the south.
3.8 PA 21/00550/B - New 20m x 60m equestrian arena and associated facilities - stabling and tack areas and service corridors at Ballaquayle Farm, St Marks Road, St Marks, Ballasalla approved - 12.08.2021.
Case Officer's comments: This site is a lowland site located in the south of the Island to the north of Ballasalla. It is set low in the landscape with existing trees and hedging providing screening of it from views obtained from the A26 to the east.
3.9 22/01386/B - Proposed erection of private equestrian facilities in fields 524030, 524029 and 522779, Ballamona Estate, Quine's Hill, Port Soderick. These facilities include an indoor riding arena with associated stabling, tack, and equipment stores, along with an outdoor manege, hay barn, field shelter, and associated landscaping. This application is intended as an amendment to the previously approved scheme PA 12/01285/B" at Fields 524030, 524029 & 522779, Ballamona Estate, Oak Hill, Port Soderick, Isle of Man, IM4 1AT - Planning Committee case - approved - 09.08.2023.
Case Officer's comments: This development proposed 40m x 20m indoor riding arena with associated stabling, tack, and equipment stores - overall dimensions were 31.0m x 51.78m this is a 'lowland' site well-related to existing traditional barns and farmhouse and Mill House structures was well- screened from its surroundings, by hedges, trees and woodland and also set well back from the Old Castletown Road.
3.10 24/00683/B - Erection of equestrian building at Field 624110, Ballagilley Farm, Gooseneck Road, Hibernia, Ramsey, IM7 1EP - these facilities comprise: "The proposed structure would be sited to the east and north of the existing complex of farm/equestrian buildings. The proposal involves stripping an area of land measuring approx. 75.0m deep x 40.0m wide via a cut and fill method to provide a level surface on which the equestrian building would be sited. The building would measure 66.0m long x 30.0m wide (1,980m2 in floor area) x 4.5m high to the eaves and 8.69m high to the ridge. It would be constructed using a steel frame with walls of tantalised castle boarding on 125mm x 175mm timber cladding rails under a pitched roof of Profile 6 reinforced fibre cement sheets, colour Juniper Green. Its roof would have 44 No. roof lights in 11 groups of 4 roof lights on each of the roof slopes (88 roof lights in total). The building would be served by 2 No. pairs of timber clad sliding doors, 1 in the west side elevation and 1 in the south end elevation." Case Officer's comments: Refused under delegated powers for the following reason:
"The size and scale of the proposed equestrian building in this upland location would result in an overly large structure being sited in a visually sensitive, upland landscape setting, which would be visible from a wide area surrounding the site, particularly from the eastern slopes and summit of North Barrule; the A2 main road running past the site to the east; and, from the higher ground to the north, and to the east at Maughold which is located close to the coast, and affords a more distant view of the site and proposed development. This would result in an unacceptable degree of visual harm the character of the site and its surroundings. Overall, the proposal fails to comply with the provisions of General Policy 2 b), c) and g); Environment Policy 1; and, Environment Policy 20 in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016; and, the Landscape Strategy as outlined in the Isle of Man Landscape Character Assessment (2008), where the site is recognised as being within the A1 - NORTHERN UPLANDS Landscape Character Area."
Approved on appeal 15/1/25. The Inspector, in his Report on the Inquiry to the Minister advised that:
"50. Despite its considerable scale, the proposed building would be unusually discreet in its appearance and effects, and would broadly meet the provisions of GP2 of the IMSP in scale, form and design. However, there would be a very slight degree of permanent planning harm
to the Northern Uplands landscape, leading to an equally slight degree of conflict with EP1 and also EP20 of the IMSP with respect to the protection of the countryside and the effects of equestrian development.
4.0 PLANNING POLICY Site Specific - 4.1 The site is not within an area with specific land use designation in the Isle of Man 1982 Development Plan, meaning it is considered to be part of the countryside. - 4.2 The 1982 Development Plan identifies site is being within an Area of High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance (AHLV). The flowing extract from the Isle of Man Landscape Character Assessment (2008) indicates that the site lies within Landscape Area D6 Cronk-Y-Voddy where the key characteristics are: "Key Characteristics
The 'Overall Character Description' of the area is described as: Rolling to steep land descends from the upland areas down to the coast with a variety of steeply sided wooded river valleys such as the National Glen of Glen Mooar cutting into the undulating plateau. Mature hedgerow trees, a variety of Manx hedges and gorse hedgerows separate areas consisting of fragmented fields of rough grazing and patches of moorland vegetation on the higher inland slopes from the larger ,more rectilinear, pastoral and arable fields that cover the lower slopes closer to the sea where extensive views along the coastline are gained in places. A semi-improved landscape overall but more open in the west.
Settlement pattern is dispersed, consisting of clusters of buildings or scattered isolated farmsteads of traditional Manx style. Wooded valley bottoms, hedgerow trees and tree planting around the various scattered farmsteads and building clusters create a fragmented wooded horizon. The grass banks of the Manx hedges that line the various small lanes, tracks
and roads in the area enclose views in places while extensive views across the Island and out to sea are gained in the western portion of the Character Area, such as the northern end of Bayr ny Staarvey where the remains of Keeill Pharick are also located. Other ruined Keeills such as Cabbal Pherick Chapel in Glen Mooar, earthworks such as Manannan's Chair and various cairns reveal the age/history of human habitation in this area.
Key Views
The Landscape Strategy and Landscape Planning Guidelines are: Landscape Strategy: The overall strategy should be to conserve and enhance the character, quality and distinctiveness of the area, with its patchwork of upland fields fringed by valley bottom woodland and moorland and its enclosed and intimate rural road network, a tranquil and remote character with traditional hamlets, scattered farm buildings and nucleated settlements built in a vernacular style.
Landscape Planning Guidelines
Strategy and Guidance
4.3 There is no strategy or guidance relevant to this application. - 4.4 The following policies from the 2016 Strategic Plan are considered pertinent in the assessment of this application: Strategic Policy
5 Design and visual impact 10 Sustainable transport
Spatial Policy 5 Building in defined settlements or GP3
General Policy
Transport Policy
5.0 REPRESENTATIONS - 5.1 Michael Parish Commissioners - no comments had been received by the Report drafting stage (15 May, 2025). - 5.2 Highway Services - 15 April 2025 After reviewing this Application, Highway Services HDC finds it:
6.0 ASSESSMENT - 6.1 The key considerations of this application are the principle, and its visual impact on the character of the site and surrounding area. Principle of the Development - 6.2 A site visit and the planning statement provided by the applicant has confirmed that the site forms part of an existing equestrian centre and there are equestrian activities being carried out on the land. The site for the proposed covered manage with associated stabling facilities and feed and tractor store comprises existing operational equestrian land, it being a sand surfaced, fenced manege adjoining existing stables and barns. There would be no 'loss' of agricultural land arising from the development because the site area for the proposed covered manege is already in equestrian use. In this instance there would be no conflict with the provisions of IoMSP Environment Policies 14 and 15, which respectively seek to avoid the permanent loss of important and versatile agricultural land (Classes 1-2); and, outline the agricultural or horticultural need for a new building. Therefore, in terms of the principle of development, it is considered that the proposal complies with the provisions of General Policy 3 and Environment Policy 14, 15 and 19, and is acceptable. Character of the Area - 6.3 The site is within an Area of High Landscape or Costal Value and Scenic Significance (AHLV) as outlined in 1982 the Isle of Man Development Plan. In the IoMSP 2106, Environment Policy 1 indicates (inter alia) that "The countryside and its ecology will be protected for its own sake…… Development which would adversely affect the countryside will
7.0 CONCLUSION - 7.1 The proposal is considered to comply with General Policy 2, General Policy 3, Environment Policy 1, Environment Policy 2 and Environment Policy 15 the Strategic Plan. Therefore, it is recommended for an approval.
8.0 RIGHT TO APPEAL AND RIGHT TO GIVE EVIDENCE - 8.1 The Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 sets out the process for determining planning applications (including appeals). It sets out a Right to Appeal
8.3 Article 8(2)(a) requires that in determining an application, the Department must decide who has a right to appeal, in accordance with the criteria set out in article A10. - 8.4 The Order automatically affords the Right to Give Evidence to the following (no determination is required):
I confirm that this decision has been made by the Planning Committee in accordance with the authority afforded to that body by the appropriate DEFA Delegation and that in making this decision the Committee has agreed the recommendation in relation to who should be afforded interested person status and/or rights to appeal.
Decision Made: Permitted Date: 30.06.2025 Signed : Presenting Officer
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