**Document:** Consultation Response from DEFA
**Application:** 26/00071/A — Approval in principle for the erection of an agricultural workers dwelling and 2 agricultural sheds, including means of access and site layout.
**Decision:**
**Decision Date:**
**Parish:** Santon
**Document Type:** consultation / defa_response
**Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/130644-santon-oatlands-farm-oatlands-dwelling-erection/documents/1592916

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# Consultation Response from DEFA

## Rheynn Chymmyltaght, Bee as Eirinys

### Planning and Building Control
Murray House
Mount Havelock
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 2SF
By email: [Planning@gov.im](Planning@gov.im)

### Energy & Minerals Team
Thie Slieau Whallian
Foxdale Road
St. John’s
Isle of Man IM4 3AS
Tel no. 01624 687019
Email: energysave@gov.im

20 March 2026

Dear Sirs

### Planning Application 26/00071/A

Approval in principle for the erection of an agricultural workers dwelling and 2 agricultural sheds including means of access at Oatlands Farm, Oatlands Road, Santon IM4 1ED

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) wishes to submit the following observations for consideration in relation to the above Planning Application.

The Application Form states that no changes to the site levels are proposed. However, the location of the new dwelling is shown on a notably steep hillside. The submitted drawings include both the proposed building position and the existing hillside contours (shown at 10 cm intervals). Based on the information provided we do not see how the proposed dwelling could be constructed without significant alteration to the current ground levels.

Based on the contour information provided, our initial rough calculation suggests that should an adequate platform for the dwelling be constructed into the hillside this would require the movement of approximately 3,250 tonnes of material. We request further detail on how this level change is intended to be achieved and managed.

As all minerals in their natural state are vested in the Department under The Minerals Act 1986 (as amended), we also request that a Materials Management Plan be submitted as a condition of any approval. Our concern is that granite-type material that is suitable for use as a primary aggregate may otherwise be incorrectly treated as waste rather than being managed as primary mineral resource.

We would like to take this opportunity to highlight that should any mineral material be removed from the curtilage of the site, a Mining Permission Application will be required, and any removed minerals may be subject to Royalty fees.

Further information is available on the Isle of Man Government website, under the Mines and Minerals section: Isle of Man Government - Mines and Minerals Thank you for your attention to this matter. Yours sincerely

Sheila Chambers
Energy & Minerals Officer
Environment Directorate
For the Department of Environment Food and Agriculture

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*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/130644-santon-oatlands-farm-oatlands-dwelling-erection/documents/1592916*