Policy 3 of Planning Circular 3/91: Guide to the Design of Residential Development in the Countryside
Source: Ape Written Statement
The East has 5 of the 9 identifiable landscape 'types' on the Island and 20 of the 59 landscape character 'areas' (see Map 2 'Landscape Assessment Areas' and annotated Map 3 below). Geographically, the coverage of the plan is limited to seven Local Authorities but landscape character and key views do not stop at a Local Authority boundary. There must be an appreciation of our landscape whether looking outwards from the eastern area or towards it. In terms of the Assessment Report, Douglas, Onchan and part of Lonan were identified only as 'Urban' and so not defined by either a landscape Type or Area. Again, the transition from one area to another is unlikely to be rigid but rather a gradual change. This should be noted in any interpretation of the landscape mapping.
The Landscape Character Assessment, in particular the landscape strategies and key views, have informed a number of proposals that protect specific views and viewpoints. Where there are no specific landscape proposals for an area, the landscape strategies and key views shall be taken to be the policy approach for the area, as set out in Landscape Proposal 1. The strategies and key views concentrate upon the aesthetic nature of 'the view'. The concept of a 'view' is somewhat challenging to identify in a paragraph but the Assessment Report highlights - which has been repeated here - a number of different landscape 'features' that can be identified and distinguished from one area to the next. There is not a statutory right to a view; it is rather a part of the concept of amenity or the charm of an overall setting. It is important therefore that in many places, such views should be recognised and protected from harm.
As stated above, while each Landscape Character Area identified through the Assessment Report is valued, some areas require specific proposals due to the particular sensitivity to change and potential harm to their intrinsic landscape qualities that could result from development. Some Landscape Character Areas will have greater capacity to accept new development than others; it may be possible that landscape harm could be mitigated through careful design and landscaping measures.
The Landscape Character Assessment Report described the landscape character of the East, and this remains a fair description. Starting with the Northern Uplands and the peaks of Slieau Lhean, Slieau Ouyr and Slieau Ruy, these form a ridge separating Maughold and Laxey. Characterised by open moorland and upland streams, the hills then descend towards Laxey Bay, enclosed by the steep, wooded sides of the glen and valley. At Clay Head jagged cliffs lead to a rocky foreshore of Garwick Bay. Gently undulating topography leads through Groudle and Conrhenny towards Onchan, via a dense network of banks, Manx hedges and ditches. The two mile stretch of Douglas Bay dominates the eastern coast and is enclosed by Onchan Head and Douglas Head.
The Central Valley stretches from the southern edge of Douglas Bay to St John's, taking in the settlements of Union Mills, Glen Vine and Crosby and forming the Island's indiscernible 'north-south' dividing line. Inland, the valleys of the River Glass and River Dhoo are densely wooded. Further South, the Chibbanagh coniferous plantation just north of Mount Murray is surrounded by gorse and rough grazing, changing to a geometric pattern of fields a
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Citations
66.7%
Approval Rate
2009
Peak Year
Andreas
Top Parish
Erection of a link extension from main dwelling to cottage
Alterations and erection of extension
Alterations and erection of extensions to dwelling (amendment to PA 08/02275/B)
The erection of a replacement dwelling (amendments to PA 04/01353B)
Extension to existing barn
Alteration to farm entrance
Erection of a dwelling within grounds of
