Erection of two wind turbines

Refusal Reasons

• ✗The proposed development is unacceptable because it would give rise to views of the wind turbines from Port Erin and the surrounding area, particularly Bradda Head from the Meayll Circle Ancient Monument to the north and from the Meayll Circle Ancient Monument to the south resulting in an unacceptable degree of visual intrusion and harm to the character and appearance of the countryside and surrounding area in which the turbines are proposed to be sited. This would be emphasised by the sites location within an area zoned as High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance. In the Adopted Area Plan for the South (2012), which is informed by the Isle of Man Landscape Character Assessment, July, 2008; Landscape Proposal 10 states: "Any additional new built development on the Meayll Peninsula, other than very limited development near its northern edge at the former Marine Biological Station, should be avoided as such development would adversely affect the largely unspoilt character and appearance of the Peninsula and/or would diminish its role in providing a vegetated, undeveloped backdrop to Port Erin, Port St Mary and Cregneash." Furthermore, Landscape Proposal 11 states: "Should the opportunity arise, the radio beacon on Cronk ny Arrey and other communications apparatus on the Meayll Peninsula should be removed or, if necessary, replaced by more modest and less intrusive structures." The erection of the 2 No. proposed wind turbines would run counter to this long-standing advice and as such is contrary to it, and the provisions of Strategic Objective 3.3b); Strategic Policy 4b); General Policy 2 c); and, Environment Policies 1 and 2 contained in the Isle of Man Strategic plan 2016.
• ✗It has not been demonstrated that the installation will not adversely affect the operation of the Isle of Man Airport with a resultant potential significant harm to aircraft safety, contrary to Transport Policy 10 of the Strategic Plan.