**Document:** Officer Planning Report Recommendation **Application:** 10/01880/B — Erection of a poly-tunnel **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2011-01-31 **Parish:** Malew **Document Type:** report / officer_report **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/323-malew-part-of-field-no-432217-poly-tunnel/documents/1241169 --- # Officer Planning Report Recommendation ## 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] ## Officer's Report ### The Site The application site is the curtilage of Field 432217, Orrisdale Farm, Orrisdale Road, Ballasalla, Malew. There are a number of buildings within the curtilage of the site, including several barns and the farmhouse. ### The Proposal The application seeks approval for the erection of a poly-tunnel adjacent to an existing barn; the poly tunnel would be approximately 36m x 9m, approximately 4m in height and would be constructed of clear, heavy duty plastic covering. ### Planning History The following previous planning applications are considered specifically material in the assessment of the current application: PA 00/01161/B Erection of an agricultural building PA 02/00270/B Re-siting of approved agricultural building The above applications were permitted. ## Development Plan Policies The application site is within an area zoned as "Area of High Landscape Value or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance" identified on the 1982 Development Plan. It is appropriate to consider Environment Policy 15 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007). ### Consultations Highways Division do not oppose as it has no traffic management, parking or road safety implications. Malew Commissioners do not object. ### Assessment Given the nature of the application it is appropriate to consider Environment Policy 15, which states: "Where the Department is satisfied that there is agricultural or horticultural need for a new building (including a dwelling), sufficient to outweigh the general policy against development in the countryside, and that the impact of this development including buildings, accesses, servicing etc. is acceptable, such development must be sited as close as is practically possible to existing building groups and be appropriate in terms of scale, materials, colour, siting and form to ensure that all new developments are sympathetic to the landscape and built environment of which they will form a part. Only in exceptional circumstances will buildings be permitted in exposed or isolated areas or close to public highways and in all such cases will be subject to appropriate landscaping. The nature and materials of construction must also be appropriate to the purpose of which it is intended. Where new agricultural buildings are proposed next to or close to existing residential properties, care must be taken to ensure that there is no unacceptable adverse impact through any activity, although it must be borne in mind that many farming activities require buildings which are best sited, in landscape terms, close to existing building groups in the rural landscape." It is also appropriate to consider Environment Policy 2, which states: "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." The application seeks approval for the erection of a poly-tunnel for the lambing of pedigree sheep; the proposed poly-tunnel would be sited alongside an existing agricultural barn and would be sited to the rear of a neighbouring property "Santon Heights", the proposed poly-tunnel would be sited approximately 90 m from the rear of this property. The poly-tunnel would be set back from the highway by approximately 40 m and would be sited adjacent to existing farm buildings, the proposed poly-tunnel would not be highly visible from the public thoroughfare, the site is screened by an existing Manx sod hedge, which is approximately 2 m in height, and this would provide screening of the poly-tunnel as viewed from the neighbouring property "Santon Heights", to the northern side of the proposed poly-tunnel would be an existing agricultural building and to the north eastern side of the poly-tunnel is an existing farm yard which is enclosed by a number of barns. The proposed development would also be screened on the western side by timber fencing. If there is sufficient agricultural need to outweigh the general policy against development in the countryside, Environment Policy 15 makes provision for this. The proposed building would be used for the lambing of pedigree sheep, it is considered that there is an agricultural need for the proposed poly-tunnel, which would outweigh the general policy against development in the countryside. It is judged that the proposed development would not adversely affect the character and appearance of the site or surrounding area. For the above reasons the application is considered to be acceptable and is recommended for approval. **PARTY STATUS** The local authority is, by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2005, paragraph 6 (5) (c) and (d), considered an "interested person" and as such should be afforded party status. 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:** 21.01.2011 --- **Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal** **C : Conditions for approval** **N : Notes attached to conditions** **R : Reasons for refusal** **O : 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 permission relates to the erection of a poly-tunnel as shown in drawings K/39/3B and K/571/3 received 22nd December 2010. ## **C 3.** In the event of the poly-tunnel erected under this approval becoming redundant it must be taken down along with all ancillary infrastructure and be removed from the site within 3 months of the cessation of use. ## **C 4.** The poly-tunnel may only be used for agricultural purposes. --- 21 January 2011 10/01880/B Page 3 of 4 I confirm that this decision accords with the appropriate Government Circular delegating functions to the Senior Planning Officer. Decision Made : Permitted Date : ....28...January. 2011 Signed : Senior Planning Officer --- *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/323-malew-part-of-field-no-432217-poly-tunnel/documents/1241169*