Wind turbine appeal upheld after inquiry

Minister backs Ballaman turbines after inquiry finds limited harm outweighed by renewable energy benefits

Two wind turbines are to be built at Ballaman - an estate near Port Erin owned by billionaire John Whittaker - after a government minister overturned a planning refusal.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has confirmed that Minister Clare Barber has approved the appeal by Cheeseden Investments Ltd, following an inquiry which began in March.

Background

The turbines, which have a maximum ‘blade tip height’ of 13 metres (42ft), had been refused permission by the planning committee, despite an officer’s recommendation to approve.

Objections were raised over visual impact, potential harm to the surrounding landscape, and possible effects on heritage and ecology.

The refusal led to an inquiry, led by independent Inspector Jennifer Vyse, who heard evidence from the applicant, planning officers, Arbory and Rushen Commissioners and affected residents.

Inspector’s findings

In her report, Mrs Vyse found the development would cause ‘minor adverse’ harm to landscape character and visual amenity, particularly in views from the coastal path, Meayll Circle and Bradda Head.

However, she concluded that these impacts were limited, temporary and reversible.

The inspector determined that there would be no harm to the Meayll Circle Ancient Monument, no unacceptable noise or shadow flicker for nearby residents, and no significant effects on ecology if conditions were imposed.

She highlighted the Island’s statutory commitment under the Climate Change Act 2021 to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, with interim targets including 20 megawatts of on-Island renewable energy by 2026.

Against this backdrop, she recommended that the appeal be upheld, citing an “overriding national need” for renewable energy development that outweighed the limited landscape harm.

Ministerial decision

In a letter to the applicant, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture confirmed Mrs Barber had “carefully read the report” and considered all matters raised.

Minister Barber accepted it was a “finely balanced case” with strong arguments for and against. She noted that the government’s 20MW onshore wind target relates to public rather than private projects, and said she did not place as much weight on the Climate Change Act and action plans as the inspector had.

Nevertheless, she concludes that the benefits of the turbines in reducing reliance on fossil fuel electricity outweighed the harms.

Conditions of approval

The development has been approved, subject to 12 conditions.

These include limits on noise, a ban on lighting and advertising, requirements for bird and bat monitoring, and a decommissioning clause requiring removal after 25 years, or if the turbines cease operating.

The scheme must also incorporate a mitigation plan to ensure air traffic control systems at Ronaldsway Airport are not compromised.