Willaston Recreation Field

Summary

The request sought correspondence and survey notes regarding the Willaston Recreation Field, specifically concerning tree removal and ecological surveys for a proposed site compound. The authority released partial information, disclosing email exchanges between Douglas City Council and DEFA about biodiversity protection and hedge removal, while withholding some content.

Key Facts

• The proposed site compound is located on land bordering Ballanard Road, Barrule Road, and Manor Hotel lane.
• DEFA advised that vegetation removal should occur outside the bird nesting season (March to August).
• Conditions for approval include protective fencing, exclusion areas, and replacement of removed hedging.
• Correspondence involves Vusimbe Zivave from Douglas City Council and Sophie Costain from DEFA.
• The response outcome was 'Some information sent but part exempt'.

Data Disclosed

• 2025-05-06
• 2025-06-02
• 13 January 2025
• 08 January 2025
• 13 December 2024
• March – August
• 18 pages
• 2 documents
• 4632737

Original Request

DEFA - all information, including any correspondence, survey, meeting or site visit notes taken in relation to the green open space/field bordering Ballanard Road and Barrule Road and Manor Hotel lane in particular concerning the removal of trees, ecological survey and discussions with Douglas City Council in relation to proposed planning application for that area.

Data Tables (4)

Full Response Text

From: Vusimbe Zivave To: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) Subject: RE: Willaston Site Compound Site Date: 13 January 2025 10:08:35 Attachments: image001.png Good Morning Sophie,   Thank you for the information.   Yes, there maybe some removal of some vegetation where we form the entrance to the site. We will engage with the Forestry team as suggested.   Many thank for the help.   Kind Regards   Vusimbe   Vusimbe Zivave Assistant Chief Officer (Housing and Property) Douglas City Council City Hall, PO Box 2, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1AD   e-mail - VZivave@douglas.gov.im Phone - +44(0)1624 696380    www.douglas.gov.im Consider the environment: please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to. This email and its attachments may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Douglas City Council. If you are not the intended recipient of this email and its attachments, you must take no action based upon them, nor must you copy or show them to anyone. Please contact the sender if you believe you have received this email in error. From: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) Sophie.Costain@gov.im Sent: 13 January 2025 09:38 To: Vusimbe Zivave VZivave@douglas.gov.im Subject: RE: Willaston Site Compound Site   Good morning Vusimbe. Really sorry for the late reply about this.   The piece of land you are looking to use as a site compound has relatively limited features for biodiversity internally, with the main features of interest being the boundary trees and hedges. We wouldn’t have an issue with the area being used as a site compound as long as measures are put in place for the protection of the trees and hedges – use of only the centre of the site, with installation of protective fencing, exclusion areas, as well as responsible low level construction lighting. You may wish to speak to Forestry or an Arb consultancy about requirements for root protection areas. We would like to see details of this with the application, or we would request a condition for this on approval.   I’m assuming that you will need to remove a small section of hedge to access the area, which again we would have no objection to provided that it is replaced once construction finishes. We would like to see details of the replacement hedging with the application. We would also recommend that this removal is undertaken out of bird nesting season (March – August inclusive).   Best wishes   Sophie Costain (she/her) (Miss) Ecosystem Policy Officer Tel +44 (0)1624 685963 | Mob +44 (0)7624 | Email sophie.costain@gov.im or ecopolicy@gov.im Website: www.gov.im/defa   From: Vusimbe Zivave VZivave@douglas.gov.im Sent: 08 January 2025 13:55 To: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) Sophie.Costain@gov.im Subject: Willaston Site Compound Site   Hi Sophie,    Happy new year,  hope you are keeping well.   Wondering when you maybe free to  visit the site of the proposed site compound before we submit the planning application.    Looking forward to hearing from you.   Kind Regards    Vusimbe    Sent from Outlook for Android WARNING: This email message and any files transmitted with it are confidential and may be subject to legal privilege. You must not copy or deliver it to any other person or use the contents in any unauthorised manner without the express permission of the sender. If you are not the intended addressee of this e-mail, please delete it and notify the sender as soon as possible. No employee or agent is authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of any of the Departments or Statutory Boards of the Isle of Man Government with any party by e-mail without express written confirmation by a Manager of the relevant Department or Statutory Board. RAAUE: S’preevaadjagh yn çhaghteraght post-l shoh chammah’s coadanyn erbee currit marish as ta shoh coadit ec y leigh. Cha nhegin diu coipal ny cur eh da peiagh erbee elley ny ymmydey yn chooid t’ayn er aght erbee dyn kied leayr veih’n choyrtagh. Mannagh nee shiu yn enmyssagh kiarit jeh’n phost-l shoh, doll-shiu magh eh, my sailliu, as cur-shiu fys da’n choyrtagh cha leah as oddys shiu. Cha nel kied currit da failleydagh ny jantagh erbee conaant y yannoo rish peiagh ny possan erbee lesh post-l er son Rheynn ny Boayrd Slattyssagh erbee jeh Reiltys Ellan Vannin dyn co-niartaghey scruit leayr veih Reireyder y Rheynn ny Boayrd Slattyssagh t’eh bentyn rish. REDACTED From: Vusimbe Zivave To: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) Subject: Willaston External Refurbishment, Douglas Date: 13 December 2024 12:59:26 Attachments: image001.png Hi Sophie,   I am fine and thank you. Hope you are keeping well too.   Apologies for the late response, I was away last week, its for the External Refurbishment project in Willaston.   Kind Regards   Vusimbe   Vusimbe Zivave Assistant Chief Officer (Housing and Property) Douglas City Council City Hall, PO Box 2, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1AD   e-mail - VZivave@douglas.gov.im Phone - +44(0)1624 696380    www.douglas.gov.im Consider the environment: please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to. This email and its attachments may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Douglas City Council. If you are not the intended recipient of this email and its attachments, you must take no action based upon them, nor must you copy or show them to anyone. Please contact the sender if you believe you have received this email in error. From: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) Sophie.Costain@gov.im Sent: 02 December 2024 14:44 To: Vusimbe Zivave VZivave@douglas.gov.im Subject: Crescent, Douglas   Hi Vusimbe   How are you?   Can I double check the details with you? The site outlined in blue on the map you sent is to be potential used a construction site compound for the reroofing works of Heather and Hazel Crescent? Seems an odd location as they are quite far away from each other.   Best wishes   Sophie Costain (she/her) (Miss) Ecosystem Policy Officer Tel +44 (0)1624 685963 | Mob +44 (0)7624 | Email sophie.costain@gov.im or ecopolicy@gov.im Website: www.gov.im/defa REDACTED REDACTED   From: Vusimbe Zivave VZivave@douglas.gov.im Sent: 26 November 2024 10:15 To: Costain, Sophie (DEFA) Sophie.Costain@gov.im Cc: @douglas.gov.im>; @douglas.gov.im>; @douglas.gov.im> Subject:   Good Morning Sophie,   Hope you are keeping well. Wondering if you can help. We are preparing a planning application for a site in Willaston to be used as a site compound for the construction project in Willaston see above.   Are you free for a walk around?   Looking forward to hearing from you.   Kind Regards,   Vusimbe   Vusimbe Zivave Assistant Chief Officer (Housing and Property) Douglas City Council City Hall, PO Box 2, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1AD   e-mail - VZivave@douglas.gov.im Phone - +44(0)1624 696380    www.douglas.gov.im   Facebook  | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram Consider the environment: please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to. This email and its attachments may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Douglas City Council. If you are not the intended recipient of this email and its attachments, you must take no action based upon them, nor must you copy or show them to anyone. Please contact the sender if you believe you have received this email in error.  

REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED REDACTED 1 From: Graham Newsome GNewsome@douglas.gov.im Sent: 30 April 2025 10:43 To: McDermott, Ian Subject: Accepted: site meeting, Graham Newsome

REDACTED From: Graham Newsome To: Harrison, Charles Subject: RE: Trees bordering Ballanard Feild Date: 06 February 2025 15:25:03 Very good, thanks.   Graham Newsome Assistant Head of Parks (Technical) Douglas City Council City Hall, PO Box 2, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1AD   e-mail - GNewsome@douglas.gov.im Phone - +44(0)1624 696332    www.douglas.gov.im Consider the environment: please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to. This email and its attachments may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Douglas City Council. If you are not the intended recipient of this email and its attachments, you must take no action based upon them, nor must you copy or show them to anyone. Please contact the sender if you believe you have received this email in error. From: Harrison, Charles Charles.Harrison@gov.im Sent: 06 February 2025 15:22 To: Graham Newsome GNewsome@douglas.gov.im Subject: RE: Trees bordering Ballanard Feild   Graham,   I will be in the area, so I can come to you.   Kind Regards   Charles Harrison | Senior Arboricultural Manager Forestry, Amenity and Lands Directorate | Thie Slieau Whallian | Foxdale Road | St Johns | Isle of Man | IM4 3AS E-MAIL: Charles.Harrison@gov.im || MOB:  (+44) 07624   From: Graham Newsome GNewsome@douglas.gov.im Sent: 06 February 2025 11:22 To: Harrison, Charles Charles.Harrison@gov.im Subject: RE: Trees bordering Ballanard Feild   Hi Charles   11.00am Tuesday is good.   Are you coming to Douglas or do you want us to you?   Thanks Graham   Graham Newsome Assistant Head of Parks (Technical) Douglas City Council City Hall, PO Box 2, Douglas, Isle of Man REDACTED IM99 1AD   e-mail - GNewsome@douglas.gov.im Phone - +44(0)1624 696332    www.douglas.gov.im Consider the environment: please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to. This email and its attachments may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Douglas City Council. If you are not the intended recipient of this email and its attachments, you must take no action based upon them, nor must you copy or show them to anyone. Please contact the sender if you believe you have received this email in error. From: Harrison, Charles Charles.Harrison@gov.im Sent: 06 February 2025 11:18 To: Graham Newsome GNewsome@douglas.gov.im Subject: RE: Trees bordering Ballanard Feild   HI Graham,   Unfortunately I can do tomorrow, would Tuesday next week at 11am be convenient ?   Kind Regards   Charles Harrison | Senior Arboricultural Manager Forestry, Amenity and Lands Directorate | Thie Slieau Whallian | Foxdale Road | St Johns | Isle of Man | IM4 3AS E-MAIL: Charles.Harrison@gov.im || MOB:  (+44) 07624   From: Graham Newsome GNewsome@douglas.gov.im Sent: 06 February 2025 09:12 To: Harrison, Charles Charles.Harrison@gov.im Subject: Trees bordering Ballanard Feild   Good morning Charles   Would you have any time available for a meeting with my line manager to discuss likely requirements etc re the licence for Ballanard?   You to Ballaughton or us to you.   Tomorrow after 11.00 is clear for eg.  but we will work around you.   Thanks Graham   Graham Newsome Assistant Head of Parks (Technical) Douglas City Council City Hall, PO Box 2, Douglas, Isle of Man IM99 1AD   e-mail - GNewsome@douglas.gov.im Phone - +44(0)1624 696332    www.douglas.gov.im Consider the environment: please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to. This email and its attachments may be confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual to whom it is addressed. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Douglas City Council. If you REDACTED 1 Subject: site meeting, Graham Newsome Location: Willaston park Start: Tue 06/05/2025 10:30 End: Tue 06/05/2025 11:30 Recurrence: (none) Meeting Status: Meeting organizer Organizer: McDermott, Ian Required Attendees: gnewsome@douglas.gov.im Park on baldwin road

https://maps.app.goo.gl/o3EFwrbHTakidGWm8

REDACTED From: McDermott, Ian To: "gnewsome@douglas.gov.im" Cc: Harrison, Charles Subject: Willaston Park application Date: 30 April 2025 10:42:00 Hi Graham   Thank you for your time earlier.   I have sent you a calendar invite to confirm next week, would you be so good as bring along your detailed plans for the site to see if we can get this licence progressed quickly?   Cheers   Mac   Ian McDermott | Arboricultural Officer Forestry, Amenity and Lands Directorate | Thie Slieau Whallian | Foxdale Road | St Johns | Isle of Man | IM4 3AS E-MAIL: ian.mcdermott@gov.im || MOB:  +44 (0)7624   REDACTED

Polo

Freedom of Information Co-ordinator Corporate Services Directorate Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Tel no (01624) 685854 Fax no (01624 685851 Email: defa@gov.im www.gov.im

Our ref: 4632737 02 June 2025

Dear ###

We write further to your request, received 6 May 2025, which states:

"DEFA - all information, including any correspondence, survey, meeting or site visit notes taken in relation to the green open space/field bordering Ballanard Road and Barrule Road and Manor Hotel lane in particular concerning the removal of trees, ecological survey and discussions with Douglas City Council in relation to proposed planning application for that area."

Our response to your request is as follows: I have enclosed copies of the information being released to you.

Section 41 Information for future publication
While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the information is exempt from disclosure under section 41 of the Act as it is held with a view to being published at a future date.

To offer advice and assistance, a Planning Application is currently pending validation. Following validation, details of the Planning Application will be available here: https://services.gov.im/planning-applications/

As section 41 is a qualified exemption, it is subject to a public interest test. The public interest must be something that is of serious concern and benefit to the public at large.

Factors in favour of disclosure • Open and transparent; • There is an expectation that the public have the right of access to information held by the Department.

Factors in favour of withholding • Premature disclosure in response to an FOI request may be unfair to an officer;
• The public authority can choose to release the information at the time of its choosing;
• Information will be published as part of the Planning Application process.

In taking these factors into account the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture determined that the factors in favour of maintaining the exemption outweigh the factors in favour of disclosing the information.

To offer advice and assista

[Response truncated — full text is 16,995 characters]