30 June 2014 · Planning Committee
Field 531402, Whitebridge Road, Onchan, Isle Of Man, IM4 6ad
The proposal is for a temporary campsite accommodating up to 50 tents in a flat field north of the existing Ballakaighen Farm leisure complex (Laserblast), with shower/toilet blocks near the Fun Barn and use of the existing car park.
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The officer assessed the proposal against countryside protection policies (GP3, ENV1), finding minimal visual impact as it is temporary (4 weeks/year max), sited in a flat field visible from Whitebrid…
General Policy 3
Restricts development outside zoned areas except for overriding national need with no alternative. Officer applied exception (g) for national need tied to TT/Festival tourism economy, supported by Tourism Division evidence of accommodation shortages.
Environment Policy 1
Protects countryside from adverse development unless overriding national need outweighs harm with no alternative. Temporary campsite accepted as visual impact limited by topography, no permanent changes, and tourism benefit justified need.
Environment Policy 22
Prevents unacceptable harm to environment/amenity from noise, pollution etc. Assessed noise/disturbance as acceptable given temporary use, distances, and event context.
Business Policy 11
Tourism development must meet sustainable objectives and countryside protections. Proposal supported as it facilitates temporary visitor accommodation during high-demand events.
Temporary use limit
This permission is for a temporary use only and the use shall not be carried out outside the TT and Motorcycle Festival Practice and Race Weeks save for an additional two days for setting up and two days for dismantling the camp site. After the last day of the Motorcycle Festival Practice 2015 this permission shall expire unless a further application to extend or make permanent the uses is made and approved.
Maximum tents and area
There shall be a maximum of 50 tents pitched within the site. There shall be no pitching of tents outside the area outlined red on the site plan received on 5th March 2014.
Parking restriction
The parking area, as shown on the site plan received on 5th March 2014, shall not be used other than for the parking of vehicles in connection with Ballakaighen Farm (including leisure facilities and marquee) and camping use hereby approved.
recommend that the planning application be approved
do not oppose the application
fully supports the above planning application due to high demand for TT/Festival accommodation, aligns with Visitor Economy Strategy, campsites fully booked years ahead
Tourism Division, Highways Division, Manx Electricity Authority, and Onchan District Commissioners expressed no objection or support for the temporary camping application, while a local resident objected on highway safety, noise, and land use grounds.
Key concern: dangerous site access with history of accidents
Mrs PS Druggan
ObjectionAs much as Mr Clague protests about there being no increase in traffic I have reason to believe this is not the case; It is well documented that the access to the site is notoriously dangerous and the scene of several accidents in recent years; One of the most important factors is that the field which this proposal refers to has been zoned as for agricultural use only and so this should be strictly enforced
Tourism Division
SupportIsle of Man Tourism, Department of Economic Development fully supports the above planning application; The demand for visitor accommodation during the TT festival outstrips supply
Highways Division
No ObjectionDo not oppose
Manx Electricity Authority
Conditional No ObjectionThe Authority wish to express their interest in the following planning applications, and request that a condition of planning be that the applicant must contact the Authority
Conditions requested: condition of planning be that the applicant must contact the Authority
Onchan District Commissioners
SupportThe Commissioners recommend that the application be APPROVED for planning purposes only
