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| Site Name | Land at 'Ballachrink' | ||
| Site Address | Ballachrink Glenmaye | ||
| Easting | 223520 | Northing | 479550 |
| Site Type | 8-metre high slim line monopole |
This supporting statement forms part of an application for full planning permission on behalf of Manx Telecom Limited. The application relates to the installation of a radio base station comprising of an 8-metre high slim line monopole to be painted green and to internally accommodate the antenna, an external 300mm diameter transmission dish, a ground based equipment cabinet and development ancillary thereto at land at 'Ballachrink' near Glenmaye. This installation is required to provide 3G coverage to the Glenmaye and a link to existing and proposed installations.
Manx Telecom was formed in 1987 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of mmO2. The Company holds licences to run fixed and mobile networks on the Isle of Man. In December 2001 Manx Telecom became the first telecoms company in Europe to have a live 3G mobile phone network.
When undertaking the site search and the assessment of potential sites, any conservation issues and/or other designations will be fully taken into account when selecting the preferred site. Examples include development plan policies, land use designations and conservation areas. These are then assessed in order to achieve a suitable design solution whilst not compromising the quality of the surrounding area and features.
As previously stated, the Isle of Man already benefits from third generation technology. The purpose of this installation is to improve upon the existing network and ensure that a further section of the population can enjoy the benefits. For your information, these benefits can be summarised as follows: -
These are a few of the advantages and it must be highlighted that these will be available direct to the phone handset. It is worth noting that Manx Telecom has a portfolio of high quality internet services and is a key player in the Isle of Man's strategy to develop the Island's potential as an offshore e-commerce centre.
The proposals are for the installation of an 8-metre high slim line monopole to be painted green and associated apparatus, a ground based equipment cabinet and ancillary development. The site is removed from sensitive land uses and benefits from adjacent trees of approximately 4-5 metres in height, which will minimise the visual presence of the apparatus. Accordingly, the removed location and the minimal design will result in a visually acceptable solution to accommodate Manx's needs for the area.
Policy 4 - Infrastructure - deals specifically with communications systems and states:
> 'A balance must be struck between the need for new, evolving communications systems to satisfy residential and business demand and the impact that the necessary infrastructure will have upon the environment. Measures which may help to achieve a satisfactory balance will include a presumption against visually intrusive masts in sensitive landscapes, the encouragement of mast sharing by different operators, and the removal on redundant infrastructure.'
It is considered that the minimal design and colouration, in addition to the adjacent trees and hedge will ensure that the apparatus will not be intrusive upon the landscape. The nearby CCI tower at Glenmaye is already being utilised by Manx and this installation is also required to ensure the correct functioning of the apparatus and the requisite coverage is obtained. As always, Manx will remove redundant apparatus but would be happy for this to be attached as a condition to any consent. Therefore, it is considered that the proposals accord with Policy 4.
The issue of health and safety concerns regarding telecommunications apparatus has been the subject of recent media coverage within the UK. As you may be aware, an Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP) undertook thorough and in-going research with regard to the health effects of phones and base stations. The research found that:
> 'the balance of the evidence does not suggest that mobile phone technologies put the health of the general population at risk.'
Court cases and appeals in the UK have established that health concerns are not a sufficient basis alone for withholding planning permission, notwithstanding any view the Authority may have adopted about current research in this field, providing it has been demonstrated that the proposed installation will comply with the ICNIRP guidelines.
The proposals, which are the subject of this application are designed to be ICNIRP compliant. However, if it would be useful to provide documentation to this effect, please do not hesitate to contact Mono Consultants Limited as Manx Telecom's agent.
Given the minimal nature of the proposals and the use of colouration against the existing vegetation, it is considered that these proposals represent a strong planning solution whilst accommodating Manx Telecom's requirements for the area.
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