Officer Report

Application No.: 25/10049/AIR Applicant: Mr And Mrs Brian Byers Proposal: Information in relation to conditions 3 and 4 of PA 24/00683/B providing details for the landscaping layout and biodiversity mitigation Site Address: Field 624110 Gooseneck Road Hibernia Ramsey Isle Of Man IM7 1EP Planning Assistant: Mrs Charlotte Crowe Recommended Decision: Permitted Date of Recommendation: 15.05.2025

Conditions and Notes for Approval

NOTE. In this instance of the submitted drawings and documentation and after consultation with the case officer, who is happy with the level of detail, it is deemed sufficient to achieve the desired outcome and would be considered satisfactory for the planning conditions 3 and 4 of application 24/00683/B, under the understanding that the development shall not be carried out unless in accordance with the approved details.

Plans/Drawings/Information;

This decision hereby approved relates to documents submitted to the Department titled: APPLICATION FORM and INFORMATION INCLUDING LANDSCAPING DETAILS AND BIODIVERSITY MITIGATION, recorded as being electronically received on 02.04.2025

Officer’s Report

1.0 Description - 1.1 The proposed 24/00683/B for the Erection of equestrian building was approved after appeal on 15.01.2025 subject to 7 conditions, some of which required submission of additional information prior to the commencement of works. - 1.2 This report is specific to conditions 3 and 4 which the applicants are seeking to satisfy. - 1.3 Specific wording of the conditions are as follows:

• 1.3.1 Conditions 3: Prior to the commencement of the development hereby approved, details of a landscape scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. All planting, seeding, and any earthworks comprised in the approved details of landscaping shall be carried out in the first planting season following the substantial completion of the development; and any trees or plants which, within a period of 5 years

from the completion of the development, die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species. Thereafter, all soft and hard landscape works shall be permanently retained in accordance with the approved details. REASON: To ensure the provision of an appropriate landscape setting to the development, and to safeguard the appearance of the development and the surrounding area.

• 1.3.2 Condition 4: Prior to the commencement of the development, hereby permitted, details of biodiversity mitigation measures in respect of Protected Species (Bats) and nesting birds shall be submitted to and approved in writing by DEFA Planning. Such details shall cover avoidance of harm to protected species, and nesting birds. The mitigation measures and biodiversity enhancement shall make provision for at least 3 bird nest boxes to be erected high up on the northern elevation of the new building, but not above windows or doors; and, that 3 boxes suitable for swifts are erected. Following written approval of the scheme by DEFA, these details shall be implemented in full prior to the first use of the private equestrian facility and shall, thereafter, be retained and maintained for the lifetime of the development.

REASON: For the conservation and protection of legally protected species, in accordance with the requirements of the Wildlife Act 1990 and Environment Policies 4 and 5 in the Adopted Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.

2.0 Proposal - 2.1 The applicant's agent has submitted details for the bat and bird box specifications and locations along with a duly completed application form on 02.04.2025 - 2.2 The proposal lays out the following:

• 2.2.1 Landscape Scheme - A tree planting scheme to the east and south of the Development as indicated and the location plan that has been received has already been completed. This comprises approximately 600 trees of mixed species. It is proposed that these will be maintained to maturity.

To the north-west of the development (hatched in green on the location plan). It has been confirmed that 150 trees have been planted with another 150 being planted in March of this year.

It is highlighted that no existing trees, bushes or hedgerows will be disturbed as part of the Development.

• 2.2.2 Biodiversity mitigation / enhancement - The development site is and open grass field which is grazed and harvested annually. There is no ground nesting activity on site. The adjacent hedgerow will not be disturbed by the development. It is proposed that at least 3 bird boxes shall be erected high up on the northern elevation of the new building, and all three boxes suitable for swifts will be included. Two further nest boxes shall be erected on the northern face of each of the existing adjacent barns. Raised banks as part of the cut and fill will be seeded with wild flowers.

3.0 Consultation - 3.1 The Case Officer from the original application was consulted for advice on the satisfaction of condition. They have confirmed that the proposals are acceptable.

3.2 The Department's Ecosystems Policy Team were consulted for advice on the satisfaction of condition. The response received on 10.04.2025 confirms that they are happy that the proposals meet the condition requirements. "In regards to the proposed bird nest boxes described in the accompanying letter, they are of a type and location suitable for birds.." 10.04.2025

4.0 Recommendation - 4.1 In this instance of the submitted drawings and documentation and after consultation with the case officer, who is happy with the level of detail, it is deemed sufficient to achieve the desired outcome and would be considered satisfactory for the planning conditions 3 and

• 4 of application 24/00683/B, under the understanding that the development shall not be carried out unless in accordance with the approved details.

I can confirm that this decision has been made by a Principal Planner in accordance with the authority afforded to that Officer by the appropriate DEFA Delegation and that in making this decision the Officer has agreed the recommendation in relation to who should be afforded Interested Person Status.

Decision Made : Permitted Date: 16.05.2025 Determining officer

Signed : C BALMER Chris Balmer Principal Planner