1 October 2010 · Council of Ministers
The Ornamental Gateway, Marine Drive, Port Soderick, Isle Of Man, IM1 5bz
The proposal involves installing a single set of pedestal mounted binoculars (147cm high, 6.4cm column diameter, 25cm base diameter, 30cm wide x 45cm long) on a level tarmaced viewing platform (8m x 5m) adjacent to a stone ornamental arch (Registered Building No. 233) on Marine Drive in Port Soderick, Braddan parish.
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 site is designated open space and nature conservation in the Braddan Parish District Local Plan, outside development zones, so General Policy 3 (Strategic Plan) presumes against development except…
General Policy 3
Presumes against development outside zoned areas except specified circumstances including '(h) building or works required for the interpretation of the countryside'. The binoculars qualify as interpretive works for marine wildlife education on a prime viewing spot, tipping balance in favour despite open space designation.
Planning Policy Statement 1/01 - Conservation of the Historic Environment of the Isle of Man
Governs alterations to registered buildings; requires assessment of special interest elements. Platform secondary to archway; proposals small-scale, remote from arch, minimal impact on character appreciation; public benefit outweighs any setting harm.
Environment Policy 32
Prohibits extensions/alterations to registered buildings detrimentally affecting character. No detrimental effect found as proposals on secondary platform, small relative to building mass.
Time limit
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Recommend approval / had no objection
Do not oppose has no traffic management, parking or road safety implication
Braddan Commissioners and Highways Division both had no objection to application 10/00560/GB for pedestal mounted binoculars at The Ornamental Gateway, Marine Drive, Port Soderick.
Braddan Commissioners
No ObjectionThe Commissioners had no objection to the following planning applications: ... PA10 00560/GB - Manx Wildlife Trust - Erection of one set of pedestal mounted binoculars - The Ornamental Gateway Marine Drive
Highways Division
No ObjectionDo not oppose has no traffic management, parking or road safety implication
The original applications (10/00560/GB and 10/00561/CON) sought permission for erection of pedestal mounted binoculars adjacent to the Ornamental Gateway (Registered Building no. 233) in an area designated as open space and nature conservation zone outside development zones. The council's statements highlighted relevant policies including General Policy 3 (development outside zoned areas) and Environment Policy 32 (alterations to registered buildings) but made no recommendation. The appeal proceeded by written representations with a site visit on 27 June 2010. The inspector concluded the proposal qualified under General Policy 3(h) for interpretation of wildlife and had negligible impact on the registered building, outweighed by public benefits. The Council of Ministers accepted the recommendation and approved the application on 9th September 2010 subject to one condition.
Precedent Value
This appeal sets precedent that minor interpretive structures like binoculars in nature conservation areas can qualify under GP3(h) if enhancing public awareness of wildlife, provided negligible harm to heritage assets. Future applicants should emphasize educational purpose and site-specific ecological value with clear evidence.
Inspector: David Ward
