**Document:** Officer Planning Report **Application:** 06/01777/R — Retention of new track **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2007-03-19 **Parish:** Lezayre **Document Type:** report / officer_report **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/81745-lezayre-glen-auldyn-retention-track/documents/1481631 --- # Officer Planning Report ## Planning Report And Recommendations [Table omitted in markdown export] [Table omitted in markdown export] [Table omitted in markdown export] [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Considerations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Written Representations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Consultations ### Officer's Report #### The Application Site The property Donald's Cottage, Glen Auldyn, Lezayre, is located within the application site which is indicated in the submitted location plan. The site is located south of Glen Auldyn. #### Planning Policy The application site is within an area recognised as being an area of 'white land' not zoned for development under the Isle of Man Development Plan Order 1982. The site is not within a Conservation Area, however the site is within an area zoned as High Landscape or Coastal Value and Scenic Significance and is within an area of Nature Conservation Zones, Nature Reserves & Sites of Ecological Importance for Conservation. - Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Development Plan) Order 1982 ## Planning History Retention of planted, and approval for completion of an afforestation scheme (06/01687/R) – decision pending Conversion of existing redundant cottage to a Game Keepers Store (06/01771/B) – decision pending Approval in principle for the renovation and conversion of redundant cottage and outbuildings to living accommodation (03/00206/A) – refused on the grounds that:- 1. The cottage and outbuilding, subject of this application, are considered to have lost their habitable status and be in a derelict state of repair and as such their renovation is contrary to Planning Circular 1/88 and the well established policies of the Department. 2. Due to the properties loss of original use the proposal is tantamount to the creation of a new dwelling and contrary to Planning Circular 3/89 and the well established policies of the Department. ## Proposal The application is a retrospective application for the retention of a new track. The track which has been cut into the existing hillside, connects two existing tracks (track A and track B), together to form one continuous loop. The track is approximately 1.8 metres wide and runs between the existing track A and track B for an approximately 336 metres. ## Representations Lezayre Parish Commissioners oppose the application on the following grounds:- The Commissioners are opposed to all retrospective planning applications. The Commissioners respectfully request that this Retrospective Planning Application is not considered in isolation but should be viewed alongside PA 06/1777/R and PA 06/01771/R. Unanimous. Highways Division:- Do not oppose Manx National Heritage have commented to the planning application which can be summarised as the recently constructed track is clearly visible, would mellow in appearance over time, would recommend an approval should only depend on the necessity of access to approved plantations only and not further track building should take place. The owners and/or occupants of the Larch Lea, Glen Auldyn object to the planning application, which can be summarised as, blatant disregard to planning, crudely excavated, the tracks are a visual intrusion to the landscape, poses a threat of erosion leading to possible land slides, and the track is a recent addition to the site. ## Assessment / Recommendation The major issue to consider is what impact the track will have upon the landscape of the area. When viewing the track from Donald’s Cottage (i.e. below the ground level of the track) the track cannot be seen and therefore from this aspect would seem acceptable from a visible standpoint. The track can be seen partially from a distance from the southeast (Mountain Road - see photo 1). The track has been constructed by cutting into the hillside, which has therefore left a natural appearance (soil & stone) and not a concrete/tarmac which would have a more prominent appearance. I also consider, as does the Manx National Heritage, over time the existing track will mellow, but I am also of the opinion that shrubbery/grass overtime will re-grow particularly either side of the track and will soften the impact of the track and possible in some instances screen the track in places. ### Conclusion On balance I consider the track to be acceptable, as stated above the track can be seen from a distance but I believe over time the track will become less visual and therefore the track will not cause a significant adverse impact to the detriment of the landscape and therefore for these reasons the retention of the track would be appropriate in this location and therefore my recommendation is for an approval. ### Party Status I consider that the following meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should be afforded interested party status: - Lezayre Parish Commissioners - Highways Division - Larch Lea, Glen Auldyn I consider that the following parties that made representations to the planning application do not meet the criteria of Government Circular 1/06 and should not be afforded interested party status:- Manx National Heritage ### Recommendation **Recommended Decision:** Permitted **Date of Recommendation:** 27.02.2007 ### 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 submitted documents and drawing 06 0103/1 all received on 16th October 2006. Decision Made: approve Committee Meeting Date: 08/03/07 Decision Made: approve Committee Meeting Date: 08/03/07 27 February 2007 27 February 2007 --- *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/81745-lezayre-glen-auldyn-retention-track/documents/1481631*