Response to Objections Document
Response To Objections To Planning Application No. 20/01552/B
1. Unmade/Green Lane
As far as we are aware this is an ‘adopted road’ (which can be confirmed by the DOI) (see information attached). The top section of the road is in relatively good condition and is more than capable of taking a small number of extra vehicles per day. Future maintenance of this road lies with the DOI and we are more than willing to carry out minor pot-hole filling etc if needed.
With regards to this road being ill maintained, as far as we are aware, ditching, improved drainage and hedge trimming have all been carried out regularly including providing concrete culverts to prevent flooding.
Emergency vehicle access would be available primarily from off the Ballamodha Straight where other properties other than our proposed development would also need the same services. In addition, access for emergency vehicles could be made up past Little Gibdale Farm and as the last option Emergency vehicles could access the site up Close Clark lane/Raggy Road from The Gate entrance (it is wide enough although the road is uneven in places). We would consider three emergency access points adequate if needed.
2. Restricted View Out Of Close Clark Lane/Raggy Road
There is an existing mirror in place to help aid egress from the junction onto the Ballamodha Straight.
As a junction, we use this on occasion, including moving our horse trailer as do other occupants of the lane. Caution is needed when egressing, but this can be made known to all visitors. We could also liaise with the DOI to see if any further safety improvements could be made.
Close Clark Lane is not the only access onto the Ballamodha Strait on the left-hand side going down, there are many other accesses. All these junctions require caution.
3. Noise Levels
In regard to excess noise levels, we do not consider this to be an issue as our target market is for empty-nesters and couples who want to escape to the peace and quiet of the countryside, providing luxury accommodation. The ideology behind this project is for peace and tranquillity. Noise pollution will not be tolerated by the operators who live very close by. No other forms of camping will be permitted. We really appreciate the peaceful way of life in this area and aim to preserve this as far as possible.
4. Smoke Nuisance
In regard to the prevailing south westerly winds, any smoke will be blown down St Marks Valley far from any residential buildings.
The proposed clean burn box wood burners will have spark arrestors on their flues and as they are only between 2-3kw we believe smoke pollution will be kept to a minimum.
Due to the woodland setting we take on board the risk that ‘fire pits’ could pose and have decided they will not be included on site.
5. Scenic Value
Considering this is a high scenic area, all huts will be positioned in the trees so they can barely, if at all, be seen by pedestrians and are totally private for visitors. All lighting will be very low impact to reinforce the ideology behind the development.
6. Impact On Neighbours
It is our aim is that there will be minimal impact on our neighbours and the environment. All objections are from properties some distance from our proposed development.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS We are more than happy to reduce the number of huts to say 4 if the extra traffic is an issue as long as VISIT IOM and the Planners are behind this. Our aim is to have 2 huts initially, so very limited initial impact will be seen, then as the business grows, we will be adding more huts gradually.
