5 February 2026 · Planning Committee
Ballalough, Richmond Hill, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 1jh
The application sought retrospective permission for using an existing fenced industrial compound in the Ballalough industrial estate for storing construction and scaffolding equipment, and using existing portacabins outside the fence as a site office.
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The Department determined the proposal is acceptable because the site is designated as Industrial Land in the Area Plan for the East (2020), and while the use does not fall within specific industrial …
General Policy 2
General Policy 2 requires development to be well-related to surroundings and avoid adverse impacts. The officer assessed the proposal as compliant because it uses existing structures with no new development, no expansion of footprint, and no unacceptable visual, amenity, ecological, highway or flood impacts. Conditions define the extent of approval and control lighting to prevent issues.
Strategic Policy 1
Strategic Policy 1 supports sustainable development. Assessed as compliant due to appropriate employment use on allocated industrial land with no adverse impacts.
Spatial Policy 5
Strategic Policy 5 relates to environment protection. Compliant as no unacceptable ecological or flood impacts, with lighting condition to safeguard adjacent wildlife site.
Business Policy 1
Supports business/employment uses. The storage and office use is compatible with industrial designation.
Environment Policy 4
Protects wildlife sites/habitats. Lighting condition prevents light spill to Middle River Wildlife Site in accordance with policy and bat guidance.
Environment Policy 5
Safeguards species/habitats. Lighting restricted to protect adjacent Middle River Wildlife Site.
Environment Policy 7
Relates to flood risk or water environment. No unacceptable flood risk impacts identified.
Environment Policy 13
Likely amenity or design related. No unacceptable amenity impacts.
Environment Policy 1
Supports specific industrial categories. Use does not fall within these but is acceptable under EP7 as functionally compatible.
Environment Policy 7
Area Plan for the East (2020) policy allowing compatible uses on industrial land. Key to approval as proposal fits established character despite not matching EP1 categories.
Define extent of approved development
The development hereby approved is limited to: i. the use of the existing fenced compound for the storage of construction and scaffolding equipment; and ii. the use of the existing portacabins located immediately outside the fenced compound as a site office in association with the use as a storage compound. Reason: For the avoidance of doubt, to define the extent and nature of what has been approved, and to ensure that no alternative compound, storage activity or office arrangement is introduced without further permission, in accordance with General Policy 2 and Strategic Policy 1.
Lighting restrictions
No new external lighting shall be installed along the north-western boundary of the site other than lighting designed, positioned and operated in accordance with the recommendations of the Bat Conservation Trust and Institution of Lighting Professionals Guidance Note 8: Bats and Artificial Lighting (2018). Any lighting installed in this location shall be directed downwards and away from the Middle River Wildlife Site, shall use warm white light not exceeding 2700K, and shall operate only when necessary, through the use of timers, sensors or equivalent automatic controls. Reason: To safeguard species and habitats within the adjacent Middle River Wildlife Site and to prevent light spill in accordance with General Policy 2(d), and Environment Policies 4 and 5.
