21 February 2006
Fields 314585 314586 314583 314582 315141 315142 W Of Ballig Bridge And N Of, Poortown Road, St Johns, Isle Of Man, IM4 3nq
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The original application PA 05/02006/B for repair and widening of tracks, new tracks, and hedge repairs on agricultural fields in a High Landscape Value and Scenic Significance area was refused by Planning Committee on 10 Feb 2006 and confirmed on review 20 Apr 2006 due to landscape harm and inadequate details. Appellant argued agricultural necessity for access to spoil heaps and livestock improvement, claiming exemption from permission. Council defended refusal citing strict countryside policies (GP3, EP1-3), incremental development risks, and lack of details/masterplan. Inspector found tracks south of point B innocuous and approvable with condition for detailed plans; works beyond were harmful 'massive engineering operations' scarring the landscape near Tynwald National Park, lacking agricultural justification or overriding need; proposed new tracks unassessable due to insufficient details. Minister accepted recommendation on 3 Nov 2006, directing partial approval and reinstatement of refused works.
Precedent Value
Sets high bar for agricultural tracks in designated landscapes: must be truly essential, minimal scale, fully detailed plans/sections, proven need linking scale to purpose; innocuous works may succeed but any excavation scarring fails without overriding national need. Future applicants must submit comprehensive engineering details and robust agricultural evidence from outset.
Inspector: David Ward BSc (Hons) CEng MICE FIHT
