5 February 2021 · Planning Committee
Field 514066, Old Castletown Road, Santon, Isle Of Man, IM4 1ex
The proposal involves installing 18 ground-mounted solar panels in four rows, measuring 2.9m x 9.3m overall, on frames angled at 30 degrees with a maximum height of 2.3m, enclosed by 1.3m high stock fencing in a small 240sqm area of field 514066 northeast of Mill House.
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The Department supports renewable energy but balances it against countryside protection policies, particularly Environment Policy 1 requiring no adverse impact unless overridden by national need.
Environment Policy 22
Prohibits development unacceptably harming environment or amenities via pollution, emissions, vibration, odour, noise or light. Officer assessed no such harms from solar panels, complying fully.
Energy Policy 4
Judges alternative energy developments like solar panels against environmental policies; no EIA required as not listed in Appendix 5 and small scale. Officer weighed benefits against impacts, finding acceptable.
Environment Policy 1
Protects countryside from adverse development unless overriding national need. Panels screened from view, no harm to character in high landscape value area.
Environment Policy 14
Prohibits loss of high quality (Class 1-2) agricultural land unless overriding need. Site is Class 3/4 (moderate/poor quality), small 240sqm area with minimal impact.
Strategic Policy 1
Requires efficient resource use and infrastructure utilisation. Considered material but not key test; renewables supported despite white land presumption against development.
General Policy 3
Restricts development outside zoned areas except exceptions like essential agriculture/forestry. Exceptional approval for renewables on white land.
Time limit
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
Removal if redundant
The Solar panels, the support units and stock fencing hereby approved shall be removed and the ground restored to its former condition in the event that it is no longer used or required for renewable and alternative energy generation. Reason: The structures have been exceptionally approved solely to meet sustainable energy need and its subsequent retention would result in an unwarranted intrusion in the countryside.
No external lighting
No external lighting shall be installed. Reason: To provide adequate safeguards for the ecological species existing on the site.
Initially objected on 16 November 2020 but revised comments on 8 January 2021 confirm proposal acceptable from highway viewpoint with no opposition raised (DNO) after additional information showed fixed panels reduce glare/glint risk.
Highways initially requested additional information on potential glint and glare from solar panels but subsequently raised no objection after confirmation that panels are fixed.
Key concern: glint and glare (resolved after additional information)
Department of Infrastructure
To confirm this is the case, clarification is necessary as to whether the panels will move to maximise the sun path.; Recommendation: Additional information.
Department of Infrastructure
No ObjectionThe additional information confirms that the panels will be fixed and not follow the sun path. This should reduce the risk of glare and glint issues and not cause an issue for highway safety.; Accordingly, the proposal is acceptable from the highway viewpoint for no opposition to be raised.; Recommendation: DNO.
