5 November 2010 · Deputy Minister for Infrastructure (Mr D Callister MLC)
Field 424828 South Of Colby Station, Station Road, Colby, Isle Of Man, IM9 4nn
Colby AFC Ltd proposed an amended lighting scheme with 4m high columns along the access road (11 lights) and 5m high columns around and within the car park for their approved football ground south of Colby Railway Station.
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The Deputy Minister considered the appointed person's report but directed refusal, reversing the Planning Committee's approval, based on reasons in paragraphs 21 and 23 of the report.
no objection
Highways Division raised no objection to the amended lighting scheme; however, Arbory Parish Commissioners expressed ongoing concerns about lighting height and visual intrusion, preferring bollard lighting, while multiple local residents objected strongly citing light pollution, height, and access issues.
Key concern: lighting columns height and visual intrusion
Department of Infrastructure Highways Division
No ObjectionThe Department of Infrastructure Highways Division has no objection of this application.
Arbory Parish Commissioners
Objectionmy Commissioners are disappointed that the lighting columns have not been reduced from the five metres height proposed in the previous application.; They continue to feel that this proposed lighting would be visually intrusive in this situation and that bollard lighting to delineate the access road would suffice.
Conditions requested: bollard lighting to delineate the access road would suffice
Arbory Parish Commissioners
Objectionmy Commissioners remain of the opinion that bollard lighting would be preferable along the proposed access road.
Conditions requested: bollard lighting would be preferable along the proposed access road
The original application 10/00917/B for an amended lighting scheme was permitted by the Planning Committee on 4 November 2010 following prior approval of the football ground (PA 09/0340/B on appeal). Mr P J Cringle appealed the approval, arguing the lighting was excessive, inappropriate for rural location, and disregarded prior concerns about bollard lighting. The Planning Authority defended the scheme as reduced in impact from prior proposals with no light spillage to residences. The applicant (Colby AFC Ltd) justified column heights for safety citing CIBSE standards and cattle vulnerability concerns for bollards. Inspector David Ward conducted an inquiry on 15 March 2011 after site visit, found lighting excessive and urbanising in open countryside, recommended reversal favouring bollard alternatives. Deputy Minister accepted recommendation on 19 April 2011, refusing permission.
Precedent Value
Demonstrates rural lighting schemes require robust evidence of need (safety vs amenity) and alternatives like bollards; inspectors will prioritise landscape protection over unsubstantiated safety claims in low-crime countryside; prior reservations can decisively influence later approvals.
Inspector: David Ward BSc(Hons) CEng MICE FCIHT
