Planning Officer Report and Recommendation

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:99130}} {{table:99131}} ### Considerations {{table:99132}} ### Written Representations {{table:99133}} ### Consultations {{table:99134}} {{table:99135}} {{table:99136}} {{table:99137}} {{table:99138}} ## Policy

Officer's Report

The site, defined in red on the 1:5000 location plan, represents the holding of Ballahowin, located to the south of the A26 - St Mark's to Braaid Road, opposite Bridge Nurseries. The site accommodates a range of buildings - both modern and older, stone buildings and a farmhouse. The farm is stocked with pedigree Aberdeen Angus and Limousin cattle.

Proposed here is the erection of a new farm building with car parking and new access off the farm lane. This new building will be used for accommodating visitors - children learning about agriculture, adults wishing to gain a hands-on experience of farming and will accommodate a lecture room, toilets, study area, display and library on the first floor with farm shop, craft area and food area on the ground floor.

The new building will be 18m by 33m and 8.2m high finished in blockwork and cladding. The new building is smaller in foot-print than the existing building to the east.

This is a novel concept in farm diversification and will complement the existing farming enterprise without any significant adverse impact in terms of visual impact, traffic or impact on neighbours. The DoT has now received additional information from the applicant regarding access for those visiting the site and now have no objections.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Permitted

Date of Recommendation: 27.09.2005

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal

• : Notes attached to refusals

C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.

C 2. This permission relates to the erection of an agricultural activity building and farm shop as shown in drawings reference 111.1.04, 112.2.04 and 113.3.04, the site and location plans all received on 13th December, 2005.

C 3.

The new building may be used only for purposes of education in agricultural matters together with associated facilities all as set out in the approved drawings. The farm shop may sell only items produced from Ballahowin farm, the application site.

C 4.

Prior to the use of the buildings as approved, the applicant must have approved by the Planning Authority a scheme for introducing and policing a one way system for traffic visiting the new facilities, where such vehicles will enter from the A26 and leave via the B37. Such a scheme should involve signage and information leaflets.

N 1.

For single connections to a water main (i.e. a single dwelling) the applicant should contact Isle of Man Water Authority Customer Services, telephone 695949.

N 2.

PRIOR to the commencement of any works the applicant is advised to consult the Chief Fire Officer to ensure that adequate fire precautions are taken.

N 3.

The applicant is encouraged to consult the Disability Access Office in respect of ensuring that the proposed facilities may be used by everyone including unassisted wheelchair users. In particular the applicant should consider entrances and toilers facilities, aisles and serving counters.

N 4.

The applicant is encouraged to make up the roadway, including the provision of appropriate surface water drainage, between the new building and the A26, passing Ballahowin House, such that it is capable of accommodating the additional traffic and those other parties using or who will use this access way.

Decision Made : ...

Committee Meeting Date : ...