8 June 2004 · Minister (via Planning Committee refusal upheld on appeal)
Part Of Field 124020,(County Series 2697) Jurby Road Andreas Ramsey
Mr and Mrs J C Cannell, owners of the 15-acre smallholding Farrants Fort, applied for approval in principle to erect a single-storey bungalow as a retirement dwelling on their separate agricultural land parcel south of Ramsey Road, arguing agricultural need to continue farming Manx Loaghtyn sheep and medical issues pre…
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The Planning Committee and appeal inspector determined there was insufficient agricultural need to justify a new dwelling in open countryside, as the 15-acre Farrants Fort smallholding (operating also…
Planning Circular 3/88 - New Agricultural Dwellings
Requires proof of real agricultural need (including retirement homes) sufficient to offset objections to countryside dwellings, with evidence on past/current accommodation, occupant role, site choice; siting must be within/immediately adjoining main farm buildings, well set back from highway via existing access. Officer assessed holding too small/non-viable, remote siting failed criteria, alternatives existed; need unproven as smallholding mixed with B&B, uncertain future.
No adverse traffic impacts
Supports as retirement home complying with Circular 3/88; notes precedents of occupancy conditions removed and sporadic dwellings permitted
Supports bungalow on medical grounds due to appellants' health issues (myeloma, osteoporosis, heart attack, back/hip pain)
Support for appellants' proposal
Highways Division raised no objection due to no adverse traffic impacts; Andreas Parish Commissioners objected citing sporadic development and inappropriate siting away from the main farmhouse.
Key concern: sporadic development
Department of Transport Highways Division
No ObjectionNo adverse traffic impacts.; the response of the Highways Division of the Department of Transport is: No adverse traffic impacts.
Andreas Parish Commissioners
Objectionmy Commissioners have now considered the above proposed development, and are opposed to such proposal as they consider it is sporadic development, and the dwelling has not been sited near to the existing main farmhouse as other persons who have submitted similar applications have had to
The original application PA 04/00639/A for a single-storey retirement bungalow for retiring farmers Mr & Mrs Cannell was refused by the Planning Committee due to insufficient agricultural need and non-compliance with Circular 3/88 on siting. Appellants argued agricultural and medical need, family farming history, unsuitability of alternatives, and inconsistent approvals elsewhere. The Council defended the refusal citing smallholding size (15 acres), mixed B&B use, ownership uncertainty, and isolated siting away from farm buildings. Inspector acknowledged health issues but found no proven agricultural need for an additional isolated dwelling, alternatives viable at Farrants Fort, risk of sporadic development, and precedents irrelevant. Appeal dismissed, upholding refusal.
Precedent Value
Reinforces strict application of Circular 3/88 requiring proven viable agricultural need, functional siting near farm buildings, and robust evidence; health needs alone insufficient without agricultural tie; appellants must demonstrate no feasible on-site alternatives and provide full precedent details.
Inspector: David G Hollis
