**Document:** Officer Planning Report Recommendations **Application:** 07/01677/B — Erection of an agricultural building **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2008-02-13 **Parish:** Lonan **Document Type:** report / officer_report **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/83962-lonan-moaney-woods-farm-agricultural-building/documents/1511204 --- # Officer Planning Report Recommendations [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Considerations ### Written Representations ### Consultations ### Officer's Report Site The site represents the curtilage of Fields 621477 & 624151 which is adjacent to Magher Drine, Ballajora, Ramsey. The fields are located on the western side of the A15 road and south of Ballajora. Along the eastern boundary of the site comprises substantial banking, a number of trees and hedging/vegetation. Land Use Zoning 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. - Isle of Man Planning Scheme (Development Plan) Order 1982 - The Isle of Man Strategic Plan (20th June 2007) – General Policy 3, and Environmental Policy 2 [Table omitted in markdown export] Planning History The following previous planning applications are considered relevant in the assessment and determination of this application. Erection of goa handling/storage shed together with milking parlour and hay store - 87/04546/B – APPROVED Proposal The application proposes the erection of an agricultural building. Representations Lonan Parish Commissioners have objected to the application on the following grounds:- There is little or no agricultural activity at this property and there are sufficient buildings on the site that would accommodate the services and provision required by the proposed building. Hence there is no justification for this application. We have received no privately written representations objecting to the application. Assessment / recommendation As the site is located within an area of 'white land', therefore the following policies are relevant:- 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. 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. I have written to the Agricultural Advisor (DAFF) regarding the justification of the proposed barn. He states that the Department would not consider the size of the enterprise as an agricultural business. The site comprises of 12 acres of 8 acres is used for sheep grazing. The rest has yet to be fenced for sheep. A further 10 acres is owned at St Johns, but it is not currently utilised, but is intended to be as ewe numbers increase. Currently there are 30 ewes and their off-spring graze the fields, all ewe lambs are retained with the intention to build the breeding flock up to 50 breeding ewes. The ewes have to date lambed outside due to the lack of available housing. Animal health and welfare would be improved with the proposal. The applicant has current a 360 tracked digger, stone burrier, crusher and tractors all of which are for use on the land. The stone crusher is also used to maintain tracks for the DOT. I initially had concerns that the vehicles on the site where commercial vehicles, however after receiving additional information and from visiting the site on two occasions it would seem all the vehicles on the site are in connection with agricultural activities and therefore the use of the proposed and existing shed would/are being used for agricultural use only. For theses reasons and for the reasons given by the Agricultural Advisor, I therefore consider the proposal 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: - Lonan Parish Commissioners - Highways Division ### Recommendation **Recommended Decision:** Permitted **Date of Recommendation:** 29.01.2008 ### 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 submitted documents and drawing 07 0252 01 all received on 7th September 2007. C 3. Prior to the commencement of any works, there must be submitted to and approved by the Planning Authority, samples of the external finishes of the building. C 4. The building must only be used for agricultural purposes. C 5. Any vehicles stored within the building must be used in connection with agricultural. I confirm that this decision accords with Government Circular No 31/07 (Delegation of Functions to Senior Planning Officer) Decision Made : Permitted Date : 5/21/08 Signed : Mrs F Mullen 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/83962-lonan-moaney-woods-farm-agricultural-building/documents/1511204*