7 February 2017 · Planning Committee
Sure Site, Near Junction With Lakeside Road, Hailwood Avenue, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM2 7ab
The proposal involves replacing an existing street lamp post near the junction of Hailwood Avenue and Lakeside Road in the Governors Hill residential estate with a taller 10.15m grey antenna-topped lamp post (lamp at 7.9m) and four small steel grey equipment cabinets (0.9m high, 0.60m wide, 0.48m deep) partially set in…
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The officer balanced Infrastructure Policy 3 (IP3) requiring a balance between telecommunications need to satisfy residential/business demand and environmental impact, with General Policy 2 (GP2) on v…
General Policy 2
Permits development respecting site/surroundings in siting/layout/scale/form/design/landscaping (b), not adversely affecting townscape character (c), amenity (g), incorporating topography (f). Tested visual impact; concluded respects streetscene (blends with lampposts), no adverse character/amenity harm despite noticeability.
Recreation Policy 2
Prohibits development adversely affecting open space/recreation unless alternative provision or community gain with no significant effect. Site adjoins open space; unlike refused Hillberry (harmful industrial in sensitive setting), here urban residential context with low visual harm, no prejudice to use/character.
Time limit
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice. Reason: To comply with article 14 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Procedure) (No2) Order 2013 and to avoid the accumulation of unimplemented planning approvals.
Removal if redundant
In the event that the mast and equipment cabinets hereby approved become redundant or are no longer needed, the mast and equipment cabinets and stone walls hereby approved shall be removed within a period of 90 days. Reason: In the interest of protecting the character and appearance of the area.
Colour grey to match
The lamppost mast hereby approved shall, within 28 days of its installation, be coloured grey to match the existing lampposts on Hailwood Avenue unless otherwise agreed in advance with the Department. Reason: In the interest of the character and appearance of the area.
No objection once parking for maintenance clarified (80m away in designated area, infrequent visits)
No concerns from fisheries perspective due to nature of development and nearby watercourse
No threat to health per ICNIRP compliance; no evidence to restrict near schools/residences
No objection; complies with GP2 and IP3; least sensitive site visually; similar to street lighting
Support improved signal; health negligible; greater dangers exist (e.g. roads)
Three consultees responded: Douglas Borough Council Environmental Services raised no objections, DEFA Fisheries had no concerns, and DOI Highways deferred pending further information on service vehicle parking.
Key concern: no indication of where service vehicles will park when the cabinets require attendance of an engineer
Douglas Borough Council Environmental Services Committee
No Objectionthe Committee agreed that the Council would raise no objections to the proposals.; This planning application appears to comply with General Policy 2 (b), (c), (g) and (k), and Infrastructure Policy 3 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016.
Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Highways Division
No CommentPlease defer this application until the applicant has provided the relevant information.; without this information it is not possible assess the impact of the application.
DEFA Fisheries
No ObjectionDEFA, fisheries have no concerns in relation to this development from a fisheries perspective. This is due to the nature of both the planned development and of the nearby watercourse.
The original application by Sure (IOM) Ltd for replacement of a lamp post with an antenna-topped mast and cabinets at a site near Hailwood Avenue, Douglas, was approved by the Department despite objections. Appellant Mrs McKee argued visual intrusion, flood risk, lack of need, and alternatives like mast-sharing. The planning authority defended approval based on demonstrated need for better coverage, acceptable visual impact in context, and ICNIRP health compliance. Inspector Brian J Sims found clear need overriding minor visual concerns, no health or flood risks, and compliance with policies IP3, GP2, and RP2. The Minister dismissed the appeal on 22 June 2017, upholding approval subject to conditions including removal if redundant and grey colouring.
Precedent Value
Demonstrates that proven telecom need in residential areas can override minor visual/public concerns if ICNIRP-compliant and well-designed to blend; future applicants should prioritise coverage evidence and contextual photomontages over un-evidenced alternatives.
Inspector: Brian J Sims
