Officer Planning Report

Planning Report And Recommendations {{table:277654}} ### Considerations {{table:277650}} ### Written Representations ### Consultations {{table:277651}} {{table:277652}} {{table:277653}} ### Policy

Officer's Report

The application relates to the curtilage of Moany Moor Farm which is situated alongside the A3 at Cronk Y Voddy.

The proposal is to erect three signs 100cm x 33cm each on the side of the road leading up to the junction. These have in fact already been erected.

The Department of Transport has no objection providing the signs are erected on privately owned land behind the visibility splay for the Cronk-y-Voddy junction.

The SPMCE very strongly objects on the grounds that 3 signs and very large ones at that is quite excessive in this countryside context. They state that non agricultural uses in the countryside should be carried out in as inconspicuous a way as possible and that other cafes manage quite well with small inoffensive signs.

The signs are in fact relatively small in size, on fairly low wooden posts and at the moment are largely obscured by the tall grass. The cafe is off the main road rather than on it and it is understandable that some form of sign is necessary to indicate its location to the public. It is considered however unnecessary to have three signs to indicate the location of the cafe and one sign located a reasonable distance from the junction, to allow time to slow down and turn should be sufficient. The site is within a very rural area and within an area of high scenic value and a proliferation of signs, even if small will have a detrimental impact on the landscape.

Recommendation

Recommended Decision: Refused

Date of Recommendation: 11.07.2005

Conditions and Notes for Approval / Reasons and Notes for Refusal

C : Conditions for approval N : Notes attached to conditions R : Reasons for refusal

• : Notes attached to refusals

N 1. This is without prejudice to a further application for just one sign of the design ans size submitted with this application.

R 1. The number of signs is considered to be in excess of what is necessary to provide directional signage to the cafe and the proliferation of signs along the roadside is considered to be detrimental to the rural character of the area which is in an area of high scenic value.

Decision Made : ... Committee Meeting Date : ...