**Document:** Officer Planning Report **Application:** 08/00408/B — Erection of wind turbine **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2008-05-28 **Parish:** Malew **Document Type:** report / officer_report **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/84736-malew-cooil-cam-st-marks-road-wind-turbine/documents/1234093 --- # Officer Planning Report ## Planning Report And Recommendations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Considerations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Written Representations ### Consultations [Table omitted in markdown export] [Table omitted in markdown export] [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Officer's Report #### The Site The application site represents the south west corner of Field 434387, Cooil Cam, St Marks Road, Ballasalla. The field is to the north west of the property Cooil Cam which is surrounded by mature trees. The Field is a considerable distance from St Marks Road and from the nearest residential property. #### Planning Status The application site is located within an area identified as being "White Land" by the 1982 Development Order and as such represents the open countryside. Within the adopted Isle of Man Strategic Plan, the following is considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application: Paragraph 12.2.8, which states: "The Department is fully supportive of the need to secure greater energy efficiency in new and existing development and has recently introduced additional energy efficiency requirements in the Building Regulations 2003. Energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources are covered in General Policy 2(m) of the Building Regulations. At the same time the Department recognizes that renewable energy sources can have adverse environmental impacts. On a smaller scale, the popularity of domestic wind turbines has been increasing in recent years in response to rising energy prices and increasing awareness of climate change. Planning applications for domestic wind turbines are unlikely to require the submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment. The Department will assess any proposals for wind turbine installations by weighing the benefits of using such renewable energy sources against the environmental impact arising in any particular site. ## **PLANNING HISTORY** Whilst there have been previous planning applications relating to the dwelling at Cooil Cam, these are not considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application. **REPRESENTATIONS** The Department of Transport Highways Division has indicated that it does not oppose this application. Malew Parish Commissioners do not object to this application. The Technical Services Manager of the Isle of Man Airport has indicated an objection to the proposal subject to the imposition of a condition relating to a warning light being installed and maintained by the applicant. We have received no privately written representations in relation to this planning application. **THE PROPOSAL** This application seeks approval for the erection of a wind turbine. The turbine would have a 5.5 metre rotor mounted on a 9 metres pylon. **ASSESSMENT** The main issue for consideration in the assessment of this application is the visual impact upon the surrounding area. Given the distance of the proposed turbine from any residential properties, it is not considered that any noise generated by the turbine would have an adverse impact upon the amenity of surrounding properties. In terms of visual impact, the turbine would be positioned a significant distance from the public highway, which is approximately 550 metres away at its closest point. The nearest property to the proposal site is "Ballajeroie" located some 350 metres to the north of the proposal site. The tree cluster to the south east of the proposed turbine would provide some backdrop helping to disguise the structure. It is considered that on balance the substantial distance of the proposed turbine from both the highway and residential properties is sufficient to effectively mitigate the any visual impact to an acceptable level. It is considered that the concerns highlighted by the Isle of Man Airport may be resolved through a condition of approval. **RECOMMENDATION** It is recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions. **PARTY STATUS** It is considered that the following parties, who submitted comments, accord with the requirements of Planning Circular 1/06 and are therefore, afforded Interested Party Status: The Department of Transport Highways Division Malew Parish Commissioners 14 May 2008 08/00408/B ## Recommendation Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 14.05.2008 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 a wind turbine as shown by the plan and information 96/2177/46 and 00408/1 submitted and date stamped 28th February 2008. C 3. During the erection of the approved wind turbine, an obstruction light to a specification agreed by the Isle of Man Airport's Technical Services Manager shall be installed and maintained by the applicant until such time that the turbine is decommissioned and removed from the site. The applicant is advised to contact the Isle of Man Airport's Technical Services Manager in relation to this. I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular No 44/05 (Delegation of Functions to Director of Planning and Building Control) Decision Made : Permitted Date : Signed : M. I. McCauley Director of Planning and Building Control --- *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/84736-malew-cooil-cam-st-marks-road-wind-turbine/documents/1234093*