**Document:** APL Plan Statement **Application:** 20/01485/B — Demolition of existing outbuildings and alterations to vehicle access **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2021-03-02 **Parish:** German **Document Type:** report / planning_statement **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/6988-st-johns-ballaoates-farm-demolition-outbuilding/documents/926562 --- # APL Plan Statement Red acte d Proposed works to access at Ballaoates Farm, Ballavargher Road, the Hope, St Johns for Appendix 1 Description of works Introduction I have recently purchased the property at Ballaoates to move me and my family to. The intention is to keep the land (6 acres) and buildings for agriculture to farm alongside the 52 we currently own in St Johns. It has been brought to my attention that from agricultural hauliers and from the time I have spent at the property that the access onto the site from the main road is difficult and dangerous in its current state. The visibility and angle of approach from the west results in vehicles either having to find a place to turn further up the road or approach from the east, resulting in further miles or holding up traffic whilst manoeuvring. ## History of the site The site was at one point, a prominent farm in the St Johns area and sat within a holding of over 400 acres we were advised by the previous owners. The site has recently been split up and approx. 140 acres of the holding have been sold off to neighbouring farms. Until December 2020 the farm yard and surrounding land had been rented out to a tenant farmer who has since left. The farm yard is in need of attention and it is our intention to return the farm to a workable state in line with our sustainable future plan for the site. ## Proposal The proposed works will see the demolition of the two small outhouse buildings attached to the eastern end of the larger two storey outhouse to the west. The demolition of this and subsequent reduction in ground level will allow vehicular access from the west of the site safely with greater visibility from the improved visibility splay of approximately 58 m compared to the approx. 4m at present to the west. The eastern side of the access will remain relatively unchanged except for some minor tidying. ## Condition of the proposed buildings to be demolished The two proposed buildings to be demolished as shown on the attached drawings are single skin brick built with corrugated metal sheet roofing. The general condition of the buildings is considered to be in a poor state of repair and the roof is noticeably poor. The buildings are sat on some form of footing on the road side however, it is not clear what quality this was constructed and how future proof this is. There is noticeable deformation in the roadside wall and cracking visible. It has been noted at times during the winter of 2020 when I have visited the site during bad weather that significant surface water runs down the Ballavargher road and against the sod bank which supports the buildings. Some consideration has been given to the usability of the two proposed buildings to be demolished in the whole scheme for the site and it is considered that from an agricultural point of view the outbuildings are not functional for modern farming practices, they are not suitable for housing livestock and are only really suitable for general storage. However, the site overall is not short of general storage and it is considered that the two proposed buildings are needed. The dwellinghouse is going to be subject to a further planning application separately. This scheme if approved will allow safer access for both the future use of the dwellinghouse and the continued use of the farm. ## Photos Part of outbuilding to be demolished ![A photograph of a weathered stone outbuilding with a corrugated roof, showing signs of disrepair and overgrown vegetation.](https://images.planningportal.im/2020/12/6803247.jpg) ![A photograph showing a weathered stone outbuilding situated next to a rural road, featuring a red metal gate and a yellow measuring tape on the ground.](https://images.planningportal.im/2020/12/6803248.jpg) ![A photograph showing a dilapidated stone outbuilding with a rusty corrugated roof and red doors, situated behind a red metal gate in a rural setting.](https://images.planningportal.im/2020/12/6803249.jpg) ![A photograph showing a rural road curving to the left with a stone wall on the right and vegetation on the left.](https://images.planningportal.im/2020/12/637391.jpg) ULEFONE SHOT ON ARMOR X5 ![A photograph of a rural road showing a stone outbuilding with red doors on the right and a 'Sold' estate agent sign on the left.](https://images.planningportal.im/2020/12/637392.jpg) ![A photograph showing a rural road with a 'Sold' sign on the left and a small outbuilding with red doors on the right.](https://images.planningportal.im/2020/12/637393.jpg) ![A photograph showing a paved road curving past a rough stone wall on the right, with trees and vegetation in the background.](https://images.planningportal.im/2020/12/637394.jpg) . --- *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/6988-st-johns-ballaoates-farm-demolition-outbuilding/documents/926562*