DEFA Ecosystem Policy Officer

Shen, Peiran

From: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) Sent: 08 January 2026 11:14 To: DEFA, Planning Conditions Cc: [email protected] Subject: PA 25/10152/AIR - Information in relation to condition 4 of PA 21/00036/B

detailing swallow nesting platforms, Oatlands Farm, Oatlands Road, Santon

Good morning

RE: PA 25/10152/AIR - Information in relation to condition 4 of PA 21/00036/B detailing swallow nesting platforms, Oatlands Farm, Oatlands Road, Santon

The Ecosystem Policy Team can confirm that we are content with the proposed type, number and location of the swallow nesting cups. We consider condition 4 satisfied.

Additional information The swallow nesting season is between late April and September. In 2021 the Manx Bat Group identified that swallows were nesting in the 1st floor of the main barn at Oatlands Farm, and were accessing their nesting space via use of an open window which was also being used by common pipistrelle bats to access their roosting space within the barn. It would be an offence to block access to an active bat roost at any time of year without first obtaining written advice from the Ecosystem Policy Team on safe working methods and mitigation which ensures bats are protected. Therefore the applicant must ensure that this window is kept open until such a time as the written advice has been provided and the window is then closed at a time specified within the advice. It would also be an offence to block swallows from their active nests.

Should it be the intention of the applicant to proceed with the works between April – September in 2026, we recommend that the applicant gets in contact with the Ecosystem Policy Team as soon as possible to obtain the written advice, as it may be possible to close the window before the swallow nesting season so that works can proceed. Should swallows be nesting when works are due to commence, any works in the area where swallows are present would need to be delayed until they have finished nesting and the young have fledged.

Bats are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act 1990; they are protected by law and it’s an offence to intentionally or recklessly:

•  kill, injure or take a bat;
•  damage or destroy, or obstruct access to, any structure or place which bats use for shelter or protection;
•  disturb any bat while it is occupying a structure or place which it uses for that purpose.

The maximum penalty that can be imposed is a fine up to £10,000. All birds, their nests, eggs and young are protected and it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly:

•  kill, injure or take any wild bird;
•  take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird whilst it is in use or being built;
•  take or destroy the egg of any wild bird;
•  disturb any wild bird listed on Schedule 1 while it is nest building, or at a nest containing eggs or young, or disturb the dependent young of such a bird.

The maximum penalty that can be imposed - in respect of a single bird, nest or egg – is a fine up to £10,000.

Best wishes

Sophie Costain (she/her) (Miss)

Ecosystem Policy Officer

Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St Johns, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Website: www.gov.im/defa Tel +44 (0)1624 685963 | Mob +44 (0)7624 431301 | Email [email protected] Ecosystem Policy Team Tel +44 (0)1624 651577 | Email [email protected] DEFA - working for a clean, safe, healthy, attractive and vibrant environment which will be enjoyed by present and future generations alike.

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