**Document:** APL Planning Statement
**Application:** 21/00644/B — Erection of replacement building to provide 5 industrial units and creation of associated parking, service road and vehicular access
**Decision:** Permitted
**Decision Date:** 2021-09-07
**Parish:** Michael
**Document Type:** report / planning_statement
**Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/7640-michael-pennybridge-barn-former-riding-school-access-replacement/documents/934134

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# APL Planning Statement

The Old School House Main Road Sulby IM7 2HP

19th May 2021

Mr Paul Visigah Senior Planning Officer DEFA Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas IM1 2SF

Dear Sirs Re: Conversion of Existing Equestrian Riding School to Provide Five Light Industrial (class 5) Units. Site Address: Pennybridge Stables, Main Road, Kirk Michael, IM6 2HD. We now have pleasure in submitting our revised design which in our opinion responds to a number of issues that were prominent in our previous Planning Application, which unfortunately was refused. We have in the meantime been extremely fortunate in acquiring additional land immediately adjacent to the proposed site, which now enables us to tick all the boxes as far as the Planning Department, the Highways Department and the Appeal Inspector were concerned.

- 1 Firstly, we are now proposing to reduce the number of units from 8 down to 5.
- 2 We are now proposing to dramatically reduce the impact on the landscape by REPLACING the existing redundant Riding School with a smaller structural steel framed building. There will now be a reduction in the WIDTH and HEIGHT of the new structure.
- 3 Vertical timber cladding will now be added to the side and rear elevations, which will make the new building just blend into the countryside.
- 4 The existing service lane, once shared with the immediate residential properties, will no longer be used due to the introduction of the “new service road”.
- 5 The proposed replacement of the Riding School which will now be lower in height and width, AND WITH SEPARATE ACCESS will make an immediate improvement and is warmly welcomed by the immediate neighbours Mr M & Mrs J Pateman.
- 6 As the building has now been classified as “Redundant” its development will immensely reduce its impact on the landscape, and it will now qualify for REDEVELOPMENT under GP3 and STP1 of the IMSP.
- 7 There is already evidence of Commercial Interest in Kirk Michael due to existing light industrial employment in other units in Kirk Michael.
- 8 As is evident, with regard to our revised application, we are proposing to immediately reduce the Impact and Improve the local Environment.
- 9 It has always been our intention to improve the WHOLE appearance of the building itself.

- 10 In terms of character, we would argue that the interpretation of KMP is flawed, as we would question strongly that this site does not occupy and area of “Natural Beauty” being sited directly behind a busy Petrol Station and now also a Convenience Store.
- 11 With our proposed replacement of the building and now with the ability to introduce more “MATURE” screen planting than ever before, the proposed development will almost certainly visually disappear (from all angles).
- 12 With absolutely no local objections whatsoever, and with the existing lane NOT being used anymore by the proposed development the previous potential for increased vehicle movements, parking and general activity and disturbance to nearby homes totally disappears.

- 13 We sincerely acknowledge the previous concerns of the KMC, the Planning Officer and the Appeal Inspector regarding the substandard access lane.
- 14 These concerns will now be REMOVED by the proposed new service road, which will be provided for the sole use of the proposed development.
- 15 On balance, we now feel that we have dealt with all the issues that had previously been raised, and we now look forward to a more positive outcome in connection with our totally revised scheme.

Yours faithfully

B D Parmenter

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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/7640-michael-pennybridge-barn-former-riding-school-access-replacement/documents/934134*