APL Planning Statement

Department of Planning DEFA Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2SF 1st December 2021 Dear Sir / Madam,

Re: PA 16/00232/B - Erection of a residential development of 81 dwellings with associated hard and soft landscaping and on-site infrastructure, Royal Park, Phase 2, Ramsey - Approved. Variation of Condition 4.

This planning application is for the variation of Planning Condition 4, which states;

These proposals are to vary the layout of the large area of POS close to the entrance to Royal Park only. The following is the layout as currently approved;

The reason for varying the layout is to try to maximise the ecological benefit of the new area, with the aim of offsetting climate change by increasing the carbon sequestration potential of the land, whilst balancing this with the need to provide usable open space for the public.

The revised layout is very similar to that previously approved, with the difference being in the form of construction and choice of planting being used to maximise on ecological potential.

The following is an image of the proposed revised layout;

The redesigned layout will include;

•  A ‘Micro Forest’ area - a dense, fast-growing native urban woodland bursting with biodiversity and which can thrive in areas as small as a tennis court. The trees grow more rapidly, storing CO2 and keep the air clean.
•  Landscaped public green areas including seating
•  Native wildflower borders, which potentially have deeper root systems to aid carbon sequestration, when compared to standard utility grass.
•  Dense boundary hedge planting that will provide habitat for small animals and birds
•  Realigned footpath to aid access through the new area

These proposals are to help balance the need for housing to be provide with climate change mitigation and the needs of our environment, and to enrich the locations where our homeowners and communities live.

We have worked closely with Manx Wildlife to develop the details for these proposals, and they are keen to create a network of biodiversity hotspots across our Island communities, allowing communities to closely engage with nature and enabling a generation of children to grow up to see these micro forests mature.

Ramsey Town Commissioners also support these proposals and believe that it will provide an excellent opportunity for community engagement during its planting phase, and are sure will be a popular destination for residents.

We trust that the above and enclose information is sufficient for this planning application to be considered, but please do not hesitate to contact the writer if you have any questions.

Yours faithfully

Paul Brew

Paul Brew For and on behalf of Hartford Homes.