ENV3

Policy: ENV3 - Environment Policy 3

Environment Policy 3: Development will not be permitted where it would result in the unacceptable loss of or damage to woodland areas, especially ancient, natural and semi-natural woodlands, which have public amenity or conservation value.

7.8 Wildlife and Nature Conservation

7.8.1 The Isle of Man has both nationally and internationally important wildlife species and habitats including important marine habitats. Protection is afforded at a national level by statutory designations under the Wildlife Act 1990 and also under the Manx Museum and National Trust Act 1959. The 1990 Wildlife Act makes provision for the protection of birds, other wild animals and wild plants, as well as their habitats, both terrestrial and marine. It makes provisions for the establishment of Areas of Special Protection for birds, plants and animals (ASPs), Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Marine Nature Reserves (MNRs). The Ayres has been declared a National Nature Reserve as well as an Area of Special Scientific Interest and it is the intention to develop a network of ASSIs in the future. The Island currently has the following designations and protected areas:

• Areas of Special Scientific Interest
• Nature Reserves under the ownership and/or management of the Manx Wildlife Trust
• Areas of Special Protection for Birds and Bird Sanctuaries
• Areas of ecological importance or interest afforded protection under the Area Plans and the 1982 Order
• One RAMSAR site
• Over 2000 acres of National Trust Land designated under the Manx Museum and National Trust Act 1959

7.8.2 There are currently no Marine Nature Reserves (designated by Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) up to the Mean High Water mark) or Areas of Special Protection for plants and animals and currently no Wildlife Sites (1) (non-statutory sites) but the system for identifying them is in place, the process of identification has begun, and the concept is supported.

7.8.3 In addition to the above, wetland areas of high ecological value may be designated as Ramsar sites under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance which has applied to the Isle of Man since 1992. The Ballaugh Curragh has been so designated (September 2006), and the Island is bound by the Convention to the "wise use" of wetlands, including rivers and coastal waters. The Isle of Man also applies the Berne Convention on European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (covering Emerald sites, none as yet designated on the Island) and the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals and the Eurobats Agreement on Bats Conservation.

7.8.4 The Freshwater environment is important to the sustainability of native fish stocks. Under the Island Fisheries Act 1996 there is a requirement to protect and conserve native stocks of salmon, trout and sea trout.

7.8.5 In considering any development proposals on sites recognised for their ecological and scientific value, the Department will give full consideration to the legislation, policies and conservation objectives, which may be relevant including the Wildlife Act 1990 and species listed in Schedules 1-8 to the Wildlife 1990 Act and other habitats and species which are widely regarded as locally important. In association with the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry and the Department of Transport, the Department has commissioned the Manx Wildlife Trust to undertake a survey of locally significant sites. The results of this survey work will be available for public scrutiny before inclusion in Area Plans as they become available.

7.8.6 Development which would affect any proposed or other recognised site of conservation value, including areas of ecological interest, will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that:

• the proposed development will not compromise the conservation objectives of the site or unacceptably harm its conservation value and its overall integrity;
• there is proven public interest where safety or exceptional social or economic considerations outweigh the ecological importance of the site; and
• the need for the development cannot be met in other less ecologically damaging locations or by reasonable alternative means.