17 March 2004 · Minister for Local Government and the Environment on appeal (Inspector R E Wilson report)
Plot Of Land 50m Off Left Hand Side Of Estate Road Clock Tower Industrial Estate Foxdale Douglas
The proposal involved erecting a 12.5m high slim-line grey galvanised steel monopole with integral antennas and a dark green equipment cabin on unused land within the light industrial zoned Clock Tower Industrial Estate in Foxdale, Patrick parish, to provide 3G mobile coverage.
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Inspector distinguished this industrial site from rural appeals 03/1853 and 03/1855, noting it is in light industrial zoning per Foxdale Local Plan 1999, close to industrial buildings and conifers red…
Draft Strategic Plan - Communications
Requires balancing communications infrastructure need against environmental impact, with presumption against visually intrusive masts in sensitive landscapes, encouraging sharing and redundant removal. Officer assessed industrial location as low visual impact but CoTA aims supported prematurity refusal pending wider need assessment; no sharing possible locally.
no adverse traffic impact
The Planning Committee approved three applications for telecom masts: a 12.5m monopole in an industrial estate (03/1852), a 12m pole behind residential properties (03/1853), and an 8m monopole near a farm (03/1855). Manx National Heritage (MNH) appealed all three, arguing insufficient need justification, prematurity given emerging CoTA policies against mast proliferation, and visual harm especially in scenic areas. The applicant (Manx Telecom) and Committee defended the approvals citing low visual impact, no mast-sharing options, proven demand, and compliance with draft policies. The inspector found 03/1852 acceptable in its industrial location but deemed 03/1853 and 03/1855 premature in high landscape value countryside pending CoTA review of coverage needs. The Minister accepted the recommendations, confirming approval for 03/1852 and refusing the others.
Precedent Value
Appeals can succeed against approvals in scenic areas if prematurity via emerging mast policies demonstrated; industrial sites remain favourable, but rural/high landscape proposals need robust multi-site justification.
Inspector: R E Wilson
