25 November 2003 · Planning Committee
Field 524063 Marine Drive Port Soderick Douglas
The proposal sought full planning approval for the change of use of agricultural land and engineering operations to create a motorcycle scramble track on a 6.9 ha field off Marine Drive in Port Soderick.
Click a button above to find applications similar to this one.
See how this application compares to similar ones — policies, conditions, and outcomes side by side.
The Planning Committee did not oppose the principle of using the site for motorcycle scrambling but refused the application as it 'does not provide sufficient information to assure the Planning Commit…
Policy 13.3 (Braddan Parish District Local Plan)
Braddan Local Plan policies protect designated Open Space/Agricultural land and High Landscape Value/Scenic Significance areas. The proposal's engineering works and use conflicted with these by altering the undisturbed character through bare tracks and mounds.
Castletown Local Plan Policy 13.4
Part of Braddan Local Plan protections cited by parish; failed due to visual and environmental impacts.
Braddan Local Plan Policy 14.13
Essential protection of coastal areas vigorously applied in Braddan Parish District; scramble track visually intrusive from Marine Drive and sea.
Braddan Local Plan Policy 14.14
No additional development permitted on coastal areas except specified exceptions (not applicable here); proposal constituted unacceptable development.
Supports application for schoolboy motorcycling practice and events; land availability scarce; promotes competitiveness and discipline in children aged 6-15.
No objection if no adverse impact on watercourse; stream of limited importance for fish; welcome contact for concerns.
Multiple consultees including DAFF Fisheries, DAFF Wildlife, Manx National Heritage, and Braddan Commissioners raised environmental, ecological, visual, and highway access concerns regarding the retrospective scramble track application, with Braddan Commissioners formally objecti…
Key concern: Braddan Commissioners objection on grounds of contravening Local Plan coastal protection policies and significant visual/environmental impacts
DAFF Fisheries
Conditional No ObjectionThe works must not cause an adverse impact in terms of pollution or disturbance to the nearby watercourse or the bankside vegetation (both during construction and after), in particular there must be no run-off to the stream which may cause sedimentation or siltation of the instream habitat.; The proposed track must be no closer than 8 metres to the stream and must not cross the stream at any point.
Conditions requested: proposed track must be no closer than 8 metres to the stream; must not cross the stream at any point
Braddan Commissioners
ObjectionThe Commissioners object to the application due to the following reasons; strongly recommend to the Planning Committee that this application should be refused; The extent of the works carried out is not, in our opinion, for the sole use of the applicants son.; The works that have been carried out are a significant scar on an area of high scenic significance.
DAFF Wildlife and Conservation Office
Conditional No ObjectionThe creation of a scramble track at this site has resulted in the loss of semi-natural and natural habitats, including dry dwarf shrub heathland; We strongly recommend that the remaining areas of heathland within this field are retained; An 8 meter buffer zone of natural vegetation should be left/allowed to develop between the Pigeon stream and the scramble track.
Conditions requested: remaining areas of heathland within this field are retained and the scramble track is permanently restricted from these areas; runoff from tracks must not be channeled directly into the Pigeon Stream, instead it should be disposed of via soakaways; allowing natural vegetation to regenerate between the coarse tracks; 8 meter buffer zone of natural vegetation adjacent to the road; 8 meter buffer zone of natural vegetation between the Pigeon stream and the scramble track; scramble track should not be allowed to extend any further to the east
Manx National Heritage
Conditional No ObjectionThe field concerned is situated in an Area of Scenic Significance; The motorbike scrambling activity is adjacent to and highly visible from Marine Drive, and by its very nature is visually intrusive.; Should the Committee be minded to approve the application we would suggest that the applicant be required by condition to:
Conditions requested: seek methods to reduce the visual impact of the motocross circuit and associated activity; undertake restoration of the ground when the field is no longer required for scrambling, or at the end of a period specified by the Planning Committee; restrict engineering works to existing track maintenance; any ancillary structures (eg equipment huts) will require planning permission
DAFF Fisheries
No ObjectionI believe the stream is mostly slab and bedrock and therefore of limited importance in terms of fish populations, therefore I have no problem with the application.
Conditions requested: add a note in your response to let them know that they are welcome to contact either myself or John Ballard should they ever have any concerns regarding any adverse effects to the watercourse
Department of Transport Highways Division
No CommentTo permit the applicant to demonstrate that adequate sight lines are available, such that vehicles emerging onto the highway may do so in safety.; To permit the applicant to clarify the on-site parking arrangements.
