Install one 17.5 metre high telecommunications mast including 3 antenna and 2 transmission dishes along with 2 equipment cabinets and 1 meter cabinet and ancillary work
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Dafydd Owen
Minutes:
Erect a 17.5m high
telecommunications mast, including three antennae, two broadcast satellites,
two equipment cabins and one measuring cabinet and associated work.
Attention
was drawn to the additional observations that had been received
The
Members had visited the site.
a)
The
Development Control Officer highlighted that this was an application to erect a
high telecommunications mast on rough agricultural land to the west of the
development boundary of the village of Tregarth. It was noted that the mast would be a
monopole, set on a concrete base with three antenna and two transmission
satellites on the top; three equipment
cabinets near its base, and a 1.2m high fence around it to create a compound. It was intended for two companies, such as Telefónica UK Ltd (O2) and Vodafone Ltd, to use the
facility to improve 2G and 3G provision, and offer a 4G service due to the lack
of existing local provision. It was
reiterated that the applicant was attempting to satisfy Welsh Government's
desire of having an improved digital infrastructure in rural communities.
The Members were
reminded that the decision made on the application at the Planning Committee
meeting on 26/02/18 had been deferred in order to hold a site visit. At that meeting, Members had made a request
for the applicant to respond to some of the matters raised during the
discussion and reference was made to that response in section 1.7 of the
report. The application had been
deferred for the second time at the Committee on 16/04/18 in order to
re-arrange a site visit (the first visit had been deferred due to inclement
weather). It was highlighted that correspondence had been received from an
objector questioning the validity of the process of dealing with the
application and reference was made to the response in section 1.8 of the
report.
In the context of
assessing the application, it was noted that visual amenities and biodiversity
matters were the main material planning considerations. It was accepted that the proposed structure would,
unavoidably, be partially visible from public viewpoints due to the need for it
to be located in a relatively open location to ensure that it worked to its
full capacity. As the proposed site was
wooded, the mast would be relatively concealed from the majority of public
places and it would not overbear or dominate any private property. It was reiterated that a number of narrow and
high structures already existed in the area which included substantial trees,
telegraph poles and a row of electricity pylons. It was highlighted that the Biodiversity Unit
had asked for additional reports regarding the impact on ecology and trees as
the development was located on a site of unimproved agricultural land and that
mature native trees were located nearby.
It was considered
that the proposal was acceptable and that it complied with the requirements of
the relevant policies.
b)
Taking
advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member (not a member of this
Planning Committee) made the following points;
·
That
the application did not comply with policies - contrary to NCT19
·
Insufficient
attention had been given to special landscape areas
·
An
objective assessment had not been completed - the proposal depended on an
objective interpretation
·
That
the site selection study was weak and unsatisfactory
·
The
area was often used by local people
·
The
application's failing in showing an understanding of the site
·
That
Welsh Government requirements had 'set the right' and that the Committee was an
obstruction in the process
·
That
the application included incorrect facts
·
A
strong suggestion to refuse the recommendation
·
No
objection to masts - this mast was in the wrong place
c)
In
response to the observations, the Senior Planning Service Manager noted that
more information had been provided and that alternative sites had been
considered. He reiterated that the
policies supported this type of development and that he was confident that the
assessment considered all material planning matters.
ch) It
was proposed and seconded to approve the application.
d)
During the ensuing discussions, individual Members
highlighted the following points:
·
Was
it possible to consider 'sharing' nearby masts / pylons?
·
A
suggestion to place a Tree Preservation Order on the tree in front of the site
dd) In
response to a comment regarding sharing pylons, it was noted that safety
matters were a consideration as well as ensuring that the pylons were in the
correct place to ensure the best possible effect. It was reiterated that the site met the need and
that the applicant had addressed the rationale behind selecting the site.
e)
Resolved to approve the application subject to material
planning conditions
1.
Time
2. In accordance with the plans
3. Remove
the mast and associated equipment and restore the land should its use end.
4.
An Environmental Construction
Method Statement must be submitted
before commencing the development
5. Work on
trees must not be undertaken unless previously agreed with the Local Planning Authority.
6. Condition
regarding the colour of the mast and the antenna/satellite
dish
7. Condition
regarding the colour of the fence and cabinets
8. An
archaeological survey must be undertaken before work commences
9. A hedge
/ tree protection area must be fenced-off before commencing any other work on the site
10. The recommendations of the Ecological Assessment Report must be strictly observed
11. A Planting Plan must be submitted and
strictly observed.
Supporting documents: