23 February 2022 · Planning Committee
Sure Site 039a Carnane Tower, Old Castletown Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 1ab
The proposal involves installing 40 x 340W solar panels (each 1650mm x 990mm) in four rows on a Renusol ConSole ballast system, angled at 26 degrees with the highest part 0.5m above ground, generating 13.68kW on a vegetated, southwest-sloping site near DHA telecommunications towers.
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The site is zoned for telecommunications uses, and the solar array supports the site's established role in the wireless network, aligning with Utilities Proposal 3 and Energy Policy 4 by promoting ren…
General Policy 2
Requires development to respect site/surroundings in siting, scale, design; not adversely affect landscape character or amenities; incorporate topography/landscape features. Assessed as compliant due to panels' proximity to existing infrastructure, screening by vegetation/elevation, minimal removal of top vegetation.
Environment Policy 22
Prohibits development unacceptably harming environment/amenities via pollution, emissions, noise/light. No adverse impacts identified on amenities, pollution, or views, supporting approval.
Environment Policy 4
Judges alternative energy developments (e.g. solar) against environmental policies; no EIA required for solar unlike wind. Supported as contributing to site energy efficiency, no unacceptable environmental harm.
Environment Policy 4
Seeks biodiversity protection. Site is Local Wildlife Site; condition requires habitat assessment/management to retain/enhance habitat despite gorse concerns.
Environment Policy 5
Relates to biodiversity; condition ensures mitigation for physical impacts and site management, given non-statutory designation and prior ecological reports.
Strategic Policy 1
Promotes efficient use of sites/infrastructure. Proposal utilises existing telecommunications site for renewable energy.
Time limit
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with Article 26 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
Decommissioning
In the event that the panels hereby approved are no longer in use, they shall be removed from the site within 6 months of their last use. Reason: In the interests of visual impact and protection of the countryside.
Habitat assessment and management
Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved details shall be provided to the department including: - an assessment of the current habitat of the application site; - measures to implement the physical impact of the proposed installation on that habitat; and - measures to manage the site, including the management/removal of gorse. Reason: the site has been identified as being of sufficient value to be a Local Wildlife Site, the assessment of the site identifies gorse as being a particular concern the proposed development will not require the complete clearance of the site and so some habitat within the site can be retained and enhanced in accordance with Strategic Plan Environment Policies 4 and 5.
Do not oppose
No objection
Braddan Parish Commissioners had no objection to the solar array installation. DOI Highways Division do not oppose, finding no significant negative impact on highway safety provided glint and glare issues are addressed.
Braddan Parish Commissioners
No ObjectionThe Commissioners considered the following planning applications at their meeting on 18 November and I can confirm that they had no objection to either of them; PA21/01311/B - Installation of ground mounted solar array - Area of Land adjacent to Upper Howe Farm, Old Castletown Road, Braddan
Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Highways Division
No ObjectionDo not oppose; After reviewing this Application, Highway Services HDC finds it to have no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and / or parking on Planning being satisfied on any issues concerning glint and glare.; DNO on 03.12.2021
