6 February 2026 · Delegated - Head of Development Management (A Morgan, Interim Director of Planning and Building Control)
Street Record, Laurys Avenue, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 2he
The proposal involved erecting four 9m tall wooden telegraph poles (250-300mm diameter, projecting 7-7.5m above ground) with associated overhead cables on the public footpaths adjacent to boundaries between properties 20-32 Laurys Avenue in a residential estate of predominantly bungalows and chalet bungalows.
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The officer concluded that the 9m tall wooden poles and overhead cabling would introduce visually intrusive, incongruous elements into an open, uncluttered street scene of low-rise bungalows with no e…
General Policy 2
GP2(b,c,g) requires new development to respect the site and surroundings, have regard to character/scale/pattern of surroundings, and not adversely affect locality character including streetscape features. Officer assessed poles as unduly dominant, incongruous and intrusive in open bungalow street scene lacking overhead infrastructure, causing unacceptable harm; recent appeal decisions confirmed conflict.
Infrastructure Policy 3
IP3 balances communications infrastructure need against environmental impact, presuming against visually intrusive masts in sensitive areas unless strategic need demonstrated and alternatives pursued. Officer found failure to justify overhead poles over underground (despite applicant claims) in sensitive residential setting; visual intrusion outweighed broadband benefits, per appeal precedents.
Strategic Policy 1
SP1(c) supports best use of resources including expanding telecoms infrastructure. Officer accepted broad principle and necessity for fibre rollout aligning with national plans, but visual harm overrode.
Strategic Policy 2 - Priority for new development to identified towns and villages
SP2 supports development in named service centres like Ramsey. Site in residential zone within settlement boundary, so principle accepted.
Environmental Policy 22
EP22 safeguards amenities from nuisance. No issues with vibration, odour, noise, light or public health risks identified.
No objection; no significant negative impact on highway safety, network functionality or parking as minimum 1.2m pavement width left at pinch points.
Ramsey Town Commissioners formally objected to the installation of 4 telegraph poles citing visual impact and policy conflicts, while multiple residents submitted representations strongly objecting due to visual, practical, safety, and property value concerns.
Key concern: negative visual impact on street scene and contravention of planning policies
Ramsey Town Commissioners
ObjectionRamsey Town Commissioners have resolved to object to this proposal.; The proposed installation of wooden telegraph poles would result in a narrowing of the footpaths, both the poles and their associated cabling amongst the street scene due to the height, size and scale of the proposals would have a negative visual impact that adversely affects the character of the street scene
Resident at 30 Laurys Avenue
ObjectionThere are some inaccuracies on the application form. There is a declaration regarding trees within 15m of the proposed pole locations, and the application states there are no trees.; Poles and cabling are not good from a visual perspective. Nobody would want to be looking out of their windows to see these in an ideal world.; This will adversely affect the desirability of properties.
Resident at 23 Laurys Avenue
ObjectionI am writing to strongly object to the above planning application.; I certainly do not want any Fibre poles erected in the Avenue never mind at the top of my drive.; We live in a densely residential area and not a remote area so the fibre works should be put underground.
Resident at 20 Laurys Avenue
No CommentFirstly the notices have only been placed in Laurys Avenue since late last week
