11 March 2004 · Minister for Local Government and the Environment
Field 331154, Ballachrink Dalby Peel
Manx Telecom sought permission to erect an 8m slimline green-painted monopole with internal antennas for 3G coverage, a 300mm transmission dish, and a 2.4m high dark green equipment cabinet (5.76m² footprint) in Field 331154 near Ballachrink, Dalby, Peel, on rising open countryside east of the A27 highway.
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The Minister accepted the Inspector's recommendation that the Planning Committee's approval be reversed. The Inspector concluded the structure, though relatively small at 8m, would have quite noticeab…
Draft Strategic Plan - Communications
Requires balancing communications need against environmental impact, with presumption against visually intrusive masts in sensitive landscapes, encouraging mast-sharing and redundant infrastructure removal. Officer/Committee found slim green design acceptable with tree screening and no alternatives, but Inspector/Minister ruled intrusive in scenic open countryside without proven need or sharing, failing balance test.
No adverse traffic impact
Manx National Heritage (MNH) objects to the proposed 8m monopole telecom mast due to visual intrusion on the landscape, insufficient demonstrated need for 3G coverage in the area, and concerns over unnecessary proliferation of masts contrary to emerging CoTA committee policies.
Key concern: visual intrusion on landscape from unnecessary 3G mast proliferation
Manx National Heritage
Objectionthe visual intrusion caused by these features is significant; we would seriously question whether the perceived and claimed benefits... merit the intrusion caused by the construction of two new masts; the further unplanned and unchecked proliferation of such features... must be avoided
Manx National Heritage
Objectionwe are bound to continue to draw attention to the essential precepts on which the CoTA committee is in the process of founding its policy statement; 3G installations which may benefit only a few users, yet cause significant additional and lasting visual intrusion
Manx National Heritage
ObjectionManx Telecom may not actually be operating a 3G system at this time; 3G has only so far been tested as a trial system, and... the equipment has not only been switched off, but actually transferred to Ireland; even when this happens, it will be built around the main centres of population, not island-wide
The Planning Committee granted permission for three telecom mast installations by Manx Telecom Ltd: a 12.5m monopole in Foxdale industrial estate (03/1852), a 12m pole near Dalby (03/1853), and an 8m monopole at Ballachrink, Dalby, Peel (03/1855). Manx National Heritage (MNH) appealed all three, arguing insufficient need justification, visual impact in sensitive landscapes, and prematurity given emerging CoTA policies against mast proliferation. Manx Telecom defended the proposals as low-impact with proven demand and no sharing alternatives. The inspector found the industrial site acceptable but concluded the rural proposals would harm attractive countryside character despite limited individual impact, deeming them premature without wider coverage assessment. The Minister accepted the recommendations, upholding permission for 03/1852 but refusing 03/1853 and 03/1855 on 26 August 2004.
Precedent Value
Appeals can reverse permissions in sensitive rural landscapes if inspector supports emerging non-statutory policies like CoTA for strategic mast planning; applicants must demonstrate no alternatives via comprehensive coverage audits before countryside proposals.
Inspector: R E Wilson
