APL Planning Statement
P R Creer Ltd
Portway, Balthane Industrial Estate
Ballasalla, Isle of Man, IM9 2AJ
Tel: __________________ Redacted __________________
Planning and Building Control Directorate
- Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture
- Murray House
- Mount Havelock
- Douglas
- Isle of Man
- IM1 2SF
22nd June 2022
Application in Principle to erect Craft units/Holiday accommodation and Motorhome Parking area at St Marks Country Park, Cordeman Road, St Marks IM3 3AJ
St Marks Country Park was opened to the public in October 2017 and has provided a tourist attraction and education experience for a large number of people for both off island visitors and locals. The Park also provides a venue for parties and has 3 holiday cottages, a visitor centre and catering facilities.
The Park has held a number of events such as the Vintage Tractor Show which included vintage cars, motorbikes and tractors as well as numerous school visits.
Since opening, the Park has expanded the number and types of animals that can be viewed such as the smaller animals which include various birds, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, snakes, etc. Theses are all housed within the Fur and Feather Barn. Outside in the paddocks there is probably one of the largest collections of Rare Breed farm animals in the UK which include several breeds of cattle, 12 breeds of sheep of which some of the breeds are extremely rare.
as well as several breeds of goats and numbers of different chickens and pheasants to mention but a few
The owners of the Park are now looking to expand their offering in support of the Governments policy on increasing the visitor economy and connecting people to nature. There has been interest expressed to provide craft experiences which would require craft studios to be erected, some of these workshops will offer residential courses and the proposed accommodation will support this.
The Park is looking to expand the number and types of accommodation available. The proposal is for 9 cabins which will be wheelchair accessible and built to an extremely high insulation level. and will have a selection of 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units. It is also proposed to have motor home pitches with electric hook ups and a camping area. The area will be subject to a significant tree and shrub planting scheme.
The proposed additional facilities will further enhance the established leisure facilities and will play a key role in supporting tourism growth and local spend in the Islands Economy. This proposal will also provide a wider economic development and create further job opportunities
It is our intention long term to create a top tourist attraction within the Island that will equal anything that may be of its like in the UK with the continued support of the Planning Department
Yours sincerely
Redacted
Graham Taylor Director JR Creer Ltd
