18 June 2013 · Planning Committee
Cronk Aashen, Postal Locality, Barregarrow, Kirk Michael, Isle Of Man, IM6 1hq
The proposal sought retrospective permission for a static caravan measuring 11.5m x 3.7m x 2.5m high in Field 234211 at Cronk Aashen Farm, Barregarrow, Kirk Michael, connected to an existing septic tank and intended as temporary accommodation during farmhouse renovations.
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 officer assessed that the site is in an Area of High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance, not zoned for development, creating a presumption against new built development under Gener…
General Policy 3
GP3 prohibits development outside zoned areas except for specific exceptions like agricultural housing, redundant building conversions, or essential operations. The officer found the caravan did not meet any exceptions, as it is new residential use on agricultural land adjacent to a farm, representing unwarranted countryside development.
Environment Policy 1
ENV1 protects countryside outside settlements from adverse development unless overriding national need with no alternative exists. The site is countryside; the caravan adversely affects it without justification, extending built development into unzoned land.
Environment Policy 2
ENV2 prioritises landscape character protection in Areas of High Landscape or Coastal Value unless no harm or essential location. The caravan harms character despite screening, appearing as a dwelling in open field; no essential need demonstrated.
no traffic impact
no objections to the siting of the static caravan, as long as this is only a temporary measure while the renovations of the property are completed
The original application (13/00496/C) for retrospective siting of a static caravan on Field 234211, used for agricultural grazing and claimed campsite use, was refused by the Planning Authority due to conflict with countryside protection policies in an AHLCVSS. The appellant argued the caravan was screened, did not harm the landscape, and sought permanent or temporary permission linked to farmhouse works. The Planning Authority defended the refusal citing presumption against countryside development under GP3 and visual harm under EP1/EP2. The Inspector, after a site visit, found the caravan contrary to land use zoning, visually harmful as an urban intrusion despite screening, and ineligible for exceptions or temporary permission due to alternative sites available. The Minister accepted the Inspector's recommendation to dismiss the appeal on 28 October 2013.
Precedent Value
Static caravans in countryside/AHLCVSS face strong policy resistance even retrospectively or temporarily; applicants must prove permitted prior use and no visual harm, with site visit evidence decisive. Future cases need robust evidence of exceptions under GP3 or overriding need.
Inspector: Anthony J Wharton
