9 October 2003 · Planning Committee
Laxey Valley Gardens, Glen Road, Laxey, Isle Of Man, IM4 7ay
The proposal involved reconstructing a historic 50-foot diameter Snaefell Mine Water Wheel on its former site in Laxey Valley Gardens, including excavating and modifying the wheel pit, heightening walls by 5-6 feet, lengthening the pit, installing stone-faced concrete supports for the axle, pipework for water supply fr…
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The proposal was approved as it reinstates a historic water wheel on its former site at the washing floors, complementing heritage works by Laxey & Lonan Heritage Trust and enhancing the mining herita…
Time limit
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Water management scheme
This approval relates to the installation of the water wheel and works necessary to facilitate this all as described and shown in the submitted information received on 23rd June 2003. No approval is granted to the taking of water from the Laxey River to power the wheel until such times as a water management scheme has been designed in accordance with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and approved by the Committee such that the taking of water from the river will not adversely effect the fish life in the river.
Accessible signage
Any signage to be installed to illustrate the history of the wheel must be designed and installed to be readable by disabled persons and wheelchair users.
Wheel case recording
Prior to the undertaking of any works to the wheelcase, the existing structure must be recorded to the satisfaction of the Committee, following advice from Manx National Heritage.
support the proposals
supportive of principle to celebrate mining heritage with provenance to area, subject to recording of wheelpit alterations
no views, no adverse traffic impacts
no objection subject to contacting Department prior to river works
Multiple consultees responded to the planning application, with DAFF Fisheries raising environmental concerns about fish protection and river flows requiring conditions, Manx National Heritage offering support with conditions for archaeological recording, DOT Drainage ultimately …
Key concern: removal of water from the Laxey River detrimental to salmon, sea trout and brown trout populations
DAFF Fisheries
Conditional No ObjectionThe Laxey catchment is considered significant for its runs of migratory salmon and sea trout. The river also has a large population of native brown trout present. Any removal of water from the river at this location is likely to be detrimental; we would request that alternative sources of water be sought; During low flow conditions in particular, the operation of the wheel may have to be halted at times to maintain a minimum flow in the river
Conditions requested: satisfactory grilles or screen or grating fitted to the intake to prevent fish entrapment; minimum residual flow maintained at all times in the river; further consultation with contractor prior to and during construction including meeting on site to agree access points; no works in the river between October and April; operation of the wheel halted during low flow conditions to maintain minimum flow; river flow maintained at all times to ensure fish movements not restricted; contractor aware of implications of Japanese Knotweed or Himalayan Balsam and handle/dispose appropriately; grid included to prevent blockages of the intake
Manx National Heritage
Conditional No ObjectionThe principle of the proposal to erect a waterwheel in the Gardens, with a firm provenance to the area and with proposed works conforming to standards of integrity in historic restoration technique is therefore one to which we lend our support; care must be taken that existing industrial archaeological remains are not disturbed. The best practices of preserving and conserving existing industrial archaeology must be a guiding principle
Conditions requested: applicants to undertake careful recording of any alterations to the original wheelpit; consult Manx National Heritage for advice and guidance on recording
Department of Transport Drainage Division
Conditional No ObjectionThe Drainage Division have considered the further details submitted for the above site and find they meet our requirements; NO OBJECTION Subject to: The Developer contacting the Department prior to commencement of works for permission to undertake works in the river
Conditions requested: Developer contacting the Department prior to commencement of works for permission to undertake works in the river
Department of Transport Highways Division
No ObjectionThe Highways Division of the Department of Transport has no views on the following application, the application having been considered and having no adverse traffic impacts
Laxey Village Commissioners
SupportThe Board considered the above planning application at their meeting on the 16th July and support the proposals
Disability Access Office
No CommentIf this is intended to become a tourist feature then it should be accessible to an unassisted wheelchair user. Any information signage should be designed on the basis of best practices outlined in the 'Sign Design Guide'
Conditions requested: accessible to an unassisted wheelchair user if intended to become a tourist feature; information signage designed on the basis of best practices outlined in the 'Sign Design Guide'
