19 May 2005 · Planning Committee
Fields 312346 And 312352, Laurel Bank Farm, Glen Helen Road, Laurel Bank, St Johns, Isle Of Man, IM4 3nj
The proposal involved excavating part of a steep, overgrown bank on two agricultural fields at Laurel Bank Farm to form level terraces for improved grazing, with the areas to be topsoiled and seeded. The works were partly retrospective as some excavation had already started following enforcement advice.
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The Planning Committee approved the partly retrospective engineering works after consulting DAFF, which confirmed agricultural justification: the overgrown gorse-covered slope would be terraced for st…
Approved plans
This approval relates only to drawing number 110.1.04.
agricultural justification confirmed; improves grazing, removes gorse, enhances wildlife, blends into landscape post-seeding
no views, no adverse traffic impacts
German Parish Commissioners repeatedly objected to the application and post-permission works citing deviation from approved plans, excessive excavation resembling mining operations, and impacts on highways and residents; Manx Countryside Society raised mild concerns about landsca…
Key concern: deviation from approved plans turning into unauthorised mining operation with 35,000+ tonnes stone extraction and heavy truck movements
Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside and Environment
No ObjectionOne cannot help wondering if this really is a proper working farm or just a Gentleman’s Residence with land? Either way they are fond of earth moving and generally re-designing the landscape.; This present application is essentially for terracing and it is difficult to object to it per se. Perhaps we should be concerned about it affects on trees?
German Parish Commissioners
ObjectionMy Commissioners question why terraces are necessary on land which has been grazed for many years.; The plans have not been adhered to at all. There are no terraces. The whole hillside has been excavated to the lowest level.; This raises the question of whether or not planning permission granted extends to what has become a mining operation.; A section 10 permission is for small quantities of little value. We do not feel that 35,000 tonnes is a small amount or of little value.
DAFF
SupportThe terracing will make it easier to stabilise the area and hence get the fields back to grass relatively quickly.; I feel that once improvement works are done to the farm it will become a relatively small but viable unit which the existing owner will ensure remains tidy, it will blend into the landscape and enhance wildlife.
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.
