Appeal Letter and Notice
Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture
Rheynn Chymmyltaght, Bee as Eirinys
Manx Telecom Cooil Road Isle Of Man Business Park Braddan IM99 1HX
Telephone (01624) 685958 Email: [email protected] Contact: Tim Cowsill Our Ref: MEC /AP25/0036 Date: 13th February 2026
Dear Sir/Madam,
On Appeal
Appeal Ref: AP 25/0036 PA No: 25/90400/B Address: Ballaquane Park Peel IM5 1PU Proposal: Installation of 5 telegraph poles to provide fibre optic connectivity to 7-13 & 21-39 Ballaquane Park
I refer to the appeal in respect of the above planning application.
I am directed to advise you that the Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, in pursuance of section 3(2) of the Government Departments Act 1987, has delegated responsibility for the determination of this appeal to Mr Lawrie Hooper, MHK.
In accordance with the provisions of The Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019, I herewith give notice of the appeal decision.
Mr Hooper, MHK on behalf of the Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, has considered the report, concurs with the appointed person’s conclusions, and accepts the recommendation that the appeal should be dismissed. Accordingly, he has directed that the Department’s decision to refuse the application should be upheld, and that the application should be Refused. Formal notice of this decision is attached.
Yours faithfully,
Tim Cowsill Chief Officer
The Town And Country Planning Act 1999
The Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019
Manx Telecom Cooil Road Isle Of Man Business Park Braddan IM99 1HX
Appeal Ref: AP25/0036
In pursuance of his powers under the above Act and Order/Regulations, and under delegated powers from the Minister for the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture, Mr Lawrie Hooper, MHK does hereby in the name of and on behalf of the Department REFUSE planning application 25/90400/B by Manx Telecom for Installation of 5 telegraph poles to provide fibre optic connectivity to 7-13 & 21-39 Ballaquane Park - Ballaquane Park Peel IM5 1PU for the following reason(s):-
Reason(S) For Refusal:
- The prevailing characteristic of this part of the Ballaquane Park estate is of single storey detached homes with an open uncluttered appearance. In the absence of an already established pattern of telegraph poles, the presence of the proposed five poles and associated wiring, towering above the bungalows, would be an incongruous and intrusive addition which would significantly detract from the character and appearance of the locality. Further, the proposal would result in an oppressive environment for residents which would be materially harmful to the outlook for the residents of this part of Ballaquane Park. In this way the terms of IMSP General Policy 2 b), c), g) and Infrastructure Policy 3 would be compromised. The harms identified would clearly outweigh the public benefits which the proposal would offer in respect of supporting the National Telecommunications Strategy, along with the National Broadband Plan and Our Island Plan in achieving Government’s goal of supporting the development of telecoms infrastructure for the Island which meets the needs of both businesses and the public now and into the future.
Date of issue 13th February 2026 By Order of the Minister
Tim Cowsill Chief Officer
Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture Thie Sileau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Page 1 of 2
Note 1: A copy of the report of the appointed person is appended hereto.
Note 2: All parties should note that there is no prescribed right of appeal relevant to the Minister’s decision herein and accordingly the only right of challenge is by a petition of doleance brought to the High Court of Justice of the Isle of Man. Such doleance proceedings required to be issued promptly and in any event within 3 months.
Note 3: The letter which accompanies this notice forms part of the notice in accordance with Article 13 (3) of the Town & Country Planning (Development Procedure) Order 2019.
