17 October 2007 · Planning Committee
Plot 177, Fairways Drive, Mount Murray, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 2jf
Mount Murray Country Club Ltd applied for approval in principle to erect a dwelling on a plot within a former golf course fairway at Fairways Drive, Mount Murray, an area zoned for tourism accommodation in parkland under the Braddan Parish District Local Plan (Planning Circular 6/91).
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 refused the application because it conflicted with the land use designation in the adopted Braddan Parish District Local Plan (Planning Circular 6/91), zoning the area for touri…
General Policy 3
Requires development only in areas zoned on the Area Plan, with specified exceptions (e.g. agricultural dwellings, replacements). Site not zoned residential; no exceptions apply, so proposal conflicts.
Recreation Policy 2
Prohibits loss of open space unless alternative provided and no significant effect on character/amenity. Former fairway is open space with local amenity value; no alternatives proposed, cumulative development would harm amenity.
Braddan Parish District Local Plan (Planning Circular 6/91)
Zones site as Tourism Accommodation in Parkland; proposal for housing conflicts, harms golf/hotel uses without contrary evidence.
Multiple local residents and Braddan Parish Commissioners submitted objections to planning application 07/01278/A for approval in principle for a dwelling on unzoned green/amenity land at Mount Murray, citing precedent for further development, loss of open space, traffic issues, …
Key concern: contrived plot on unzoned amenity/green belt land setting dangerous precedent for further development
Braddan Parish Commissioners
ObjectionThe Commissioners resolved to object to the planning application on the grounds that the application was on a contrived plot not zoned for development.
Isle of Man Water Authority
Conditional No ObjectionThe Authority wish to express their interest in the following planning applications, and request that a condition of planning be that the applicant must contact the Authority to ensure that a connection is obtained for water supply purposes
Conditions requested: condition of planning be that the applicant must contact the Authority to ensure that a connection is obtained for water supply purposes, or an amendment to the existing supply under the terms of the Water Supply Byelaws; For single connections to a water main (i.e. a single dwelling) the applicant should contact IoMWA Customer Services, tel. 69 59 49
The original application for approval in principle for a dwelling on a plot at Fairways Drive was refused by the Planning Committee primarily for being contrary to the Braddan Local Plan zoning for Tourism Accommodation in Parkland, potential impact on golf course viability, setting an undesirable precedent, and sewage capacity issues (later withdrawn). The appellant argued the site is vacant land in a mixed-use residential area, no longer usable for golf due to health and safety, suitable for infill housing with no infrastructure objections. The inspector ruled in favour of the Planning Committee on a procedural dispute over interested party status, then analyzed the proposal as conflicting with General Policy 3 and Recreation Policy 2 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan, constituting loss of open space with amenity value and risk of precedent for further development. The appeal was recommended for dismissal.
Precedent Value
This appeal demonstrates strict adherence to zoning and open space policies even on former golf land in mixed developments; appellants must show policy exceptions or alternatives, not just site history or need. Future cases should prioritise precedent implications and amenity evidence.
Inspector: Michael Hurley
