Installation of a 20m high monopole
supporting 3 antennas and 1 transmission dish with 3 equipment cabinets, 1
meter cabinet within a surrounding 2m high palisade fence.
LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Annwen Daniels
Minutes:
Erection of pole with three
antenna, a total height of 20m, installation of one communications satellite
together with three equipment cabinets, with one cabinet to include a meter
with a surrounding 2m high fence
Attention was drawn
to the additional observations that had been received
a)
The Development Control Manager elaborated on the
background of the application and that the intention was for the mast to be in
a dull olive colour rather than brown olive as noted in the report - the
intention was for the cabinet to be green.
It was noted that
the site was located on the outskirts of the village of Tanygrisiau, within a
site used for parking / recycling bins. A number of responses had been received
from the public on issues involving the effects of rays, proximity to houses
and the primary school, and that the development was unnecessary, and the
visual impact it would have on the area.
It was highlighted
that the main material planning considerations were the visual impact and the
impact on health. It was explained, with this type of development, that the
proposed structure would be partly visible from public places as it would need
to be in a fairly open location to ensure that it would work to its full
capacity. Nevertheless, the Local
Planning Authority had some concern regarding the visual impact of the
development, especially from the direction of Tanygrisiau; but considering that
Snowdonia National Park did not object to the proposal, and considering the
contents of the Visual Impact Assessment on the Landscape, it was considered
that the impact would not be significant in this instance. It was noted that
the finish of the mast was acceptable because of the nature of the land that
formed the backdrop to this development, and it was considered that, with this
finish, it would blend in better.
A document was
submitted as part of the application which confirmed that the development had
been certified as being in compliance with ICNIRP guidelines, which are the
standard guidelines for assessing impact on health. Although concerns raised
were acknowledged within the consultation period, this proposal was not
considered to be contrary to national policies or the Unitary Plan and there
was no need for further information to assess the possible impact of the
development.
Having considered
the above and all the relevant planning matters, including local and national
policies and guidances, the proposal was considered to be acceptable and in
keeping with the requirements of the relevant policies.
b)
The local member (not a member of this Planning
Committee), supported the application
c)
Taking advantage of the right to speak, the
applicant noted the following main points:-
·
That 3G and 4G service in this area was very poor
·
That residents and businesses were not receiving signal
inside their houses / businesses
·
That many now depended on their mobile phones for
internet access
·
It would not be effective were it to be installed below
the treeline
·
That no convincing evidence existed to support the claim
that the rays affected health
·
That there was a
demand and a need for the development.
It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.
ch) During the ensuing
discussion, the following main observations were noted by members:
·
That the development was a significant improvement
·
That the development improved facilities in the area
·
With a number of people hiking / mountaineering in the
area, the development would facilitate the work of the Rescue and Emergency
Services Teams
·
There was a need to ensure that the recycling site would
not be lost
RESOLVED to
approve the application
1. Time
2.
Comply with the plans
3. Remove the mast and associated equipment and
restore the land should its use end.
4. Condition regarding the colour of
the mast and the antenna/satellite
5. Condition regarding the colour of
the cabinet and fence
6. Agree to a landscape scheme and
rhododendron disposal
Supporting documents: