25 June 2019 · Planning Committee
Arqiva Small Transmitter Site, Old Castletown Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 1ab
Bluewave Communications Ltd proposed replacing a 20m high mast with a new 40m metal lattice telecoms mast, enclosing a 50sqm compound with 2.15m high dark green Paladin fencing, erecting a prefabricated sustainable timber building, and constructing a concrete platform for a standby generator at the Old BBC Transmitting…
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The principle of development was found acceptable as the site is zoned for transmitting stations on the Braddan Parish District Local Plan and 1982 Development Plan, supports reuse of an existing tele…
Infrastructure Policy 3
Requires balancing telecoms infrastructure needs against environmental impact, presuming against visually intrusive masts in sensitive landscapes, encouraging mast sharing and redundant equipment removal; exceptions need strategic national need. Officer found proposal acceptable as it reuses existing site in established telecoms area with other masts, provides essential coverage to populous areas, and includes removal condition if use ceases.
General Policy 2
General development control considerations. Relevant given site's zoning but applied to overall assessment of visual and amenity impacts.
Environment Policy 2
Protection of landscape. Officer assessed visual impact as acceptable due to distant views, existing masts, and replacement nature despite high landscape value designation.
Environment Policy 4
Biodiversity protection, relevant to Wildlife Site designation. Assessed alongside ENV5.
Environment Policy 5
In exceptional circumstances, development affecting ENV4 sites allowed with conditions to minimise disturbance. Proposal reuses existing footprint, minimising impact; no refusal justified.
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.
Fencing details
Notwithstanding drawing number no 19/14/A (date stamped as having been received 08/02/19) prior to the development hereby approved being brought into use, Paladin fencing shall be erected around the site to a height of no more than 2.15 metres and powder coated dark green. The fencing shall be retained as such thereafter, unless required to be removed by condition 5. Reason: In the interest of visual amenity.
Building colouring
The building hereby approved shall be coloured to match the existing building on the site unless otherwise approved in writing by the Department. Reason: In the interest of visual amenity.
Generator details
No generator shall be installed on the site unless in accordance with details which have first been approved in writing by the Department. Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and to protect the visual amenities of the area.
Removal if disused
Unless otherwise approved in writing by the Department, the mast, fencing, building, generator and slab hereby approved shall be removed from the site within 6 months of the site no longer being in use. Reason: To protect the visual amenities of the countryside from unwarranted development.
No highways interest, but applicant should contact if needed for access during works
No concerns regarding health impact; accepts ICNIRP guidelines and Declaration of Conformity
Director of Public Health raised no health concerns regarding RF EMF compliance with ICNIRP guidelines; Manx Wildlife Trust raised concerns about potential wildlife impacts and lack of clarity in the application associated with a Wildlife Site.
Key concern: associated with a Wildlife Site
Director of Public Health
No ObjectionIn terms of evidence for health impacts of RF EMF, from a PH perspective we accept the evidence based recommendations of ICNIRF in respect of exposure thresholds. This application has a Declaration of Conformity with ICNIRF guidelines and we have no concerns to raise regarding impact on health.; we have not been advised by Public Health England (or any other specialised health protection agency) that there is any new evidence which should lead to our taking a more cautious approach to the current guidelines whilst the update is awaited.
Manx Wildlife Trust
Manx Wildlife Trust would like to highlight concerns within the planning application.; This seems to be associated with a Wildlife Site.
