**Document:** Planning Officer Report **Application:** 11/01760/B — Erection of road frontage security fencing **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2012-02-09 **Parish:** Malew **Document Type:** report / officer_report **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/2113-malew-cringle-quarry-ronague-fence/documents/1167812 --- # Planning Officer Report [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Officer's Report #### The Site 1. The site is the curtilage of Cringle Quarry, Ronague, Castletown which is located on the western side of the A27, south of the Round Table and west of the Cringle Plantation. 2. Currently the frontage of the site is made up of 1.8 metre high temporary fencing within which the entrance gates are made up with field gates. Within the quarry there are a number of temporary buildings, a weighbridge and machinery associated with the workings of minerals. #### Proposal 3. The application seeks approval for the erection of road frontage security fencing. The fencing would run along the entire boundary fronting onto the A27 and would be made up of galvanised steel fencing and gates with a height of 3 metres. 4. The fencing is required for the securing of the site for both owners and general public safety. #### Land Use Zoning / Planning Policies 5. The site has been zoned under the Isle of Man Development Plan Order 1982 as being within an area of 'surface mineral working'; the site is not within a Conservation Area, but is within an area zoned as High Landscape Value or Costal Value and Scenic Significance. 6. Under the Modified Draft Area Plan for the South written statement the site is identified as being a mineral site (quarry) but this is not identified on the area plans. 7. Due to the zoning of the site the following Strategic Plan policies are relevant for consideration: Environment Policy 2: "The present system of landscape classification of Areas of High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance (AHLV's) as shown on the 1982 Development Plan and subsequent Local and Area Plans will be used as a basis for development control until such time as it is superseded by a landscape classification which will introduce different categories of landscape and policies and guidance for control therein. Within these areas the protection of the character of the landscape will be the most important consideration unless it can be shown that: - (a) the development would not harm the character and quality of the landscape; or - (b) the location for the development is essential." [Table omitted in markdown export] General Policy 3: "Development will not be permitted outside of those areas which are zoned for development on the appropriate Area Plan with the exception of: - (a) essential housing for agricultural workers who have to live close to their place of work; (Housing Policies 7, 8, 9 and 10); - (b) conversion of redundant rural buildings which are of architectural, historic, or social value and interest; (Housing Policy 11); - (c) previously developed land(1) which contains a significant amount of building; where the continued use is redundant; where redevelopment would reduce the impact of the current situation on the landscape or the wider environment; and where the development proposed would result in improvements to the landscape or wider environment; - (d) the replacement of existing rural dwellings; (Housing Policies 12, 13 and 14); - (e) location-dependent development in connection with the working of minerals or the provision of necessary services; - (f) building and engineering operations which are essential for the conduct of agriculture or forestry; - (g) development recognised to be of overriding national need in land use planning terms and for which there is no reasonable and acceptable alternative; and - (h) buildings or works required for interpretation of the countryside, its wildlife or heritage." ### Planning History 8 The following planning applications are considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application: - Erection of a building for maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment, storage, staff facilities and offices, to replace existing buildings - 12/00005/B – PENDING CONSIDERATION - Extension to and continued use of existing stone quarry - 08/02090/B – APPROVED - Siting of a rock crusher/separator in existing quarry - 05/00525/B – APPROVED - Construction of storm water runoff control measurements and weighbridge - 02/02264/B – APPROVED - Extension to and continued usage of stone quarry - 99/00398/B – APPROVED - Siting of portakabin, stone crusher and screener - 98/00178/B – APPROVED ### Representations 9 Arbory Parish Commissioners state that they have no comments. 10 Highways Division have recommended an approved subject to the imposition of the following condition: "No commercial maintenance of vehicles/equipment to be carried out at this site. This operation is to serve the needs of the company's vehicles/equipment only." 11 The Planning Authority has received no other privately written representations objecting to the proposal. ### Assessment 12 The main issues which need consideration are the potential impact upon highway safety and the potential visual impact the proposal would have upon the area. 13 In terms of highway safety the fencing has been located behind the visibility splays and therefore would not affect views for exiting vehicles. The Highway Division have no objection to the proposed works. 14 In terms of the visual appearance, due to the contours/topography of the land and landscaping surrounding the area, the 3 metre high fencing would not be overly apparent from the A27. However, it would be very apparent when directly passing the site. 15 Security fencing by its very nature is not especially attractive and the type proposed is generally found on most industrial parks to secure sites. The applicants have indicated that the proposed security fencing is required to secure the site (fuel has been stolen from site), but perhaps more importantly to ensure members of the public cannot gain access to a dangerous working environment. 16 Whilst in the majority of locations in the countryside this type of fencing would not be appropriate, in this instance, given the nature of the site, it is considered such fencing is the most appropriate to secure the site and therefore outweigh the visual impact the fencing would have upon the immediate area. 17 It is considered a condition requiring the fencing being a dark colour would help reduce the appearance and would be appropriate from the standard galvanised steel grey finish. ### Recommendation 18 Overall, the proposal would comply with relevant policies as stated within the Isle of Man Strategic Plan for the reasons given and therefore it is recommended that the application be approved. ### Party Status 19 The local authority is, by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5) (d), considered an "interested person" and as such should be afforded party status. 20 The Department of Transport Highways and Traffic Division is now part of the Department of Infrastructure of which the planning authority is part. As such, the Highways and Traffic Division cannot be afforded party status in this instance. ### Recommendation Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 02.02.2012 ### Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal - : Notes attached to refusals C 1. The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice. C 2. This approval relates to the erection of road frontage security fencing as proposed in the submitted documents and drawings 4359/L1, 4359/S1, 4359/1 and 4359/2 all received on 21st December 2011. C 3. Within one month of the installation of the fencing it shall be colour coated dark green, black or dark brown or otherwise as approved by the Planning Authority. Any replacement or modification shall be colour coated to match within one month of it being installed. I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to Director of Planning and Building Control / Development Control Manager/ Senior Planning Officer. Decision Made : Permitted Date: 7-2-12 Determining officer (delete as appropriate) Signed: [Handwritten Signature] Anthony Holmes Senior Planning Officer Signed: [Handwritten Signature] Sarah Corlett Senior Planning Officer Signed: [Handwritten Signature] Michael Gallagher Director of Planning and Building Control Signed: [Handwritten Signature] Jennifer Chance Development Control Manager --- *Data sourced from the Isle of Man public planning register under the [Isle of Man Open Government Licence](https://www.gov.im/about-this-site/open-government-licence/).* *Canonical page: https://planningportal.im/a/2113-malew-cringle-quarry-ronague-fence/documents/1167812*