**Document:** Supporting Planning Statement **Application:** 04/02097/CON — Amendment to PA 04/01406/GB, Installation of microcell panel antenna in front elevation (In association with 04/02097GB) **Decision:** Permitted **Decision Date:** 2005-01-10 **Parish:** Malew **Document Type:** report / planning_statement **Source:** https://planningportal.im/a/77097-malew-george-hotel-parade-amendment-pa-0401406gb/documents/1203117 --- # Supporting Planning Statement ## Supporting Statement [Table omitted in markdown export] ### Site Details ### General Introduction This supporting statement forms part of an application for 'Registered Building Consent' on behalf of Manx Telecom Limited. The application relates to the installation of a radio base station comprising of 1no. face-mounted microcell panel antenna, radio equipment housing and development ancillary thereto located at The George Hotel, The Parade, Castletown, Isle of Man. We would like to draw your attention to a similar application, which was submitted on the 2 July 2004 (Application No 04/01406/GB). This application was refused on the basis that there would be a possibility of a cluttered appearance, which would detract the character and appearance of the building. However as a result of a meeting with Mr Alan Newbigging and Mr Steven Moor, Conservation Officer for the area, a new scheme has been arranged hence the reason for this application ### Manx Telecom Limited 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. ### Statutory Influences on and Around the Site 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. ### Technical Justification As previously stated, the Isle of Man already benefits from mobile 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. ### Description of the Proposals and its Surrounding Context The proposals are for the installation of 1no microcell panel antenna to be mounted onto the existing rooftop chimney on the front elevation of the building. The microcell will be painted and appropriate colour to match the building. It is proposed that the radio equipment housing shall be located in the basement of the hotel and linked to the antenna by 2 no feeder cables running up the rear of the building and up behind the existing chimney. The approximate size of the proposed microcell will be akin to that of a standard burglar alarm box, and this together with the colour matching of the installation will reduce any visual intrusion or cluttered appearance, which would detract the appearance of this Registered Building. ### Planning Policy and Material Considerations #### Development Plan 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 our considered opinion that the proposals to which this application relates are in accordance with the above policy by employing an innovative, visually unobtrusive type of installation which will be colour matched to the wall of the building on which it is to be located. #### Health Considerations 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. An ICNIRP Declaration Certificate is enclosed with this statement. #### Summary Given the minimal nature of the proposal and the use of colouration against the existing building, it is considered that these proposals represent a strong planning solution whilst accommodating Manx Telecom’s requirements for the area. If you require any further information, please contact Laura Marshall of Mono Consultants Limited. 08 October 2004 042097 LM/Castletown Department of Local Government and the Environment The Office of Planning Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas ISLE OF MAN IM1 2SF MONO CONSULTANTS LIMITED 48 ST VINCENT STREET GLASGOW G2 STS t. 44 (0)141 566 6660 f. 44 (0)141 566 6661 www.monoconsultants.com RECEIVED 11 OCT 2004 DEPT. OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT BY SPECIAL DELIVERY Dear Sirs MANX TELECOM LIMITED PROPOSED INSTALLATION OF APPARATUS AT THE GEORGE HOTEL, PARADE SQUARE, CASTLETOWN, ISLE OF MAN Please find enclosed an application for planning permission on behalf of Manx Telecom Ltd. The proposals are for the installation of apparatus comprising of 1no. microcell panel antenna and ancillary development at The George Hotel, The Parade, Castletown, Isle of Man. The application comprises of: - - Three copies of the application forms duly completed; - Three copies of drawing numbers 2882 – 001, 002-A & 004; - Supporting statement in favour of the proposals. We trust this is to your satisfaction. However, if you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours faithfully, Laura Marshall, MSc, AIEMA Senior Planner Direct Dial: 0141 270 2758 Mobile: 07769 916 744 E-mail: laura.marshall@monoconsultants.com Enc. --- *Data sourced from the Isle of Man public planning register under the [Isle of Man Open Government Licence](https://www.gov.im/about-this-site/open-government-licence/).* *Canonical page: https://planningportal.im/a/77097-malew-george-hotel-parade-amendment-pa-0401406gb/documents/1203117*