18 September 2025
Oakfield, May Hill, Ramsey, Isle Of Man, IM8 2hj
Appeal against the approval for proposed Parking Area on vacant overgrown landscaped area.
Proposed Parking Area on vacant overgrown landscaped area.
Removal of a chimney stack
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DEFA Planning Officer recommends approval of the parking area despite objection from DEFA Ecosystems on loss of green space; Highways Services has no objection subject to conditions; Ramsey Town Commissioners requested deferral but provided no further comments.
Key concern: removal of a landscaped area or urban green space and contrary to Strategic Policy 4b for the loss of habitats to birds, insects and other wildlife
Ramsey Town Commissioners
No CommentI am directed by the Ramsey Town Commissioners to request that you defer any decision on the above application until such time as the Commissioners have had the opportunity to fully consider the plans. The Board meet on Wednesday 19th February, 2025, following which I will contact you again. No further comments have been received from Ramsey Town Commissioners at the time of writing.
Highways Services
Conditional No ObjectionHighway Services HDC finds it to have no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking providing the proposed hardstanding area is conditioned to be bound and consolidated throughout.; The Applicant is advised to put a low wall/railings at back of the hardstanding area for the drop to the footpath to the property.; A S109 highway agreement will be required for the dropped kerb footway to access the proposed hardstanding area by vehicles
Conditions requested: proposed hardstanding area is conditioned to be bound and consolidated throughout
DEFA Ecosystems
Objectionto object due to the removal of a landscaped area or urban green space and contrary to Strategic Policy 4b for the loss of habitats to birds, insects and other wildlife
The planning authority approved application 24/91399/B for a parking area on overgrown land to the rear of Oakfield, May Hill, Ramsey, finding it compliant with policies including GP2, S5, SP2, EP42, TP4 and TP7. Neighbours (appellants Mr and Mrs Christian) appealed, arguing loss of cul-de-sac parking would harm highway safety, residential amenity, and disrupt existing parking arrangements, especially with narrow driveways and health needs requiring easy access. The applicant argued the parking improves local traffic flow, aligns with existing off-road parking, and was supported by Highway Services. The inspector, after an inquiry and site visit, found no evidence of material harm to highway safety despite some inconvenience, noting current informal parking at the turning head without issues and no objections from Highway Services. Visual impact and amenity harms were dismissed as the parking fits the residential character. The appeal was dismissed on 17 September 2025, upholding approval with conditions restricting use to one private vehicle for Oakfield.
Precedent Value
This appeal shows that even approved developments can be challenged by neighbours, but inspectors prioritise evidence of actual harm over inconvenience; applicants should secure Highway Services support and use conditions proactively. Future objectors need concrete evidence (e.g., accident data) rather than disruption to unofficial parking practices.
Inspector: Richard Perrins
