11 July 2003 · Minister for Local Government and the Environment following Planning Appeals Inspector report
Beachfield Farm, Station Road, Kirk Michael, Isle Of Man, IM6 1hb
The proposal sought permission to change the use of part of an existing agricultural barn for the hobby restoration and repair of classic cars by the owner Mr Edward Collister and Mr Warrilow only. The site is accessed via a narrow private lane serving nearby residential properties near the coast.
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The inspector found traffic impacts acceptable given no Highways objection, many vehicles non-roadworthy, and prior farm use generated more.
The potential of the Beachfield Farm Area for light industrial/craft workshops should be examined
Local plan identifies site area for potential light industrial/craft. Officer noted this supports hobby repair in barn as ancillary/low intensity. Tested against residential amenity; accepted as compatible at small scale but needed trial to confirm.
Time limit
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Hobby use only by named persons
This approval relates to the change of use of part of the barn for the purposes of repairing and restoring vehicles for personal hobby reasons only. The barn shall be used for such purposes by the owner of the site and Mr Warrilow only as named in the application.
No commercial use
This approval does not permit the use of the barn for any commercial purposes.
Trial period
The use hereby permitted shall cease on or before 31st December, 2004, unless planning permission to continue after this date has been obtained from the Planning Committee.
Hours of use
The use of the building, edged red on the application plan shall only take place between 0800 and 1930 hours (Monday to Friday) and 0800 and 1800 hours (Saturday and Sunday).
no views, no adverse traffic impacts
no objection provided stays hobby only
Michael Commissioners initially had no objection provided the use remains hobby only but later expressed concerns about potential commercial use and requested further investigations; Highways Division had no objection; numerous local residents objected citing commercial activity, traffic, noise, and road damage.
Key concern: potential for commercial use instead of hobby purposes
Department of Transport Highways Division
No ObjectionThe Highways Division of the Department of Transport has no views on the following application, the application having been considered and having no adverse traffic impacts.
Michael Commissioners
No ObjectionNo Objection; Residents' concern on the enterprise that it must be and stay for hobby purposes only and not become a commercial venture
Michael Commissioners
No Commentrequest deferment of the initial decision... because consideration needs to be given to the appellants views and to assess the situation
Michael Commissioners
No CommentThe Commissioners felt that the neighbouring residents concerns on the enterprise were valid and that further investigations should be made to ensure that the permission granted is for the appropriate use.
The original application (03/00335/C or 03/0355) for change of use of part of a barn for hobby restoration and repair of classic cars by Mr E Collister was granted planning permission by the Planning Committee, confirmed on review despite objections. Mr J Drewry appealed against this grant, arguing commercial use, traffic issues, noise, and industrial precedent risks. Objectors raised similar concerns about noise, traffic on narrow lane, and commercial nature. The applicant and Planning Committee defended it as limited hobby use with no significant impacts, supported by no objections from Highways Authority. The inspector found traffic acceptable but noise and use nature uncertain due to conflicting evidence and lack of noise reports; recommended dismissing the appeal while upholding permission with a 1-year trial period to 31 December 2004 and hours restrictions (0800-1930 Mon-Fri, 0800-1800 Sat-Sun).
Precedent Value
Appeals against permissions granted can succeed in strengthening controls like trial periods when evidence gaps exist on key amenity impacts; applicants should provide noise data and clear hobby evidence upfront to avoid appeal modifications.
Inspector: R E Wilson
