Agenda item

Public Participation

Mr Lyons and Helen Hann spoke in objection to the application.

Mr William Osborne spoke in support of the application.

Councillor Pauline Lyons, Box Parish Council spoke in objection to the application.

The Planning Officer introduced the report which recommended that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

He highlighted that improving telecoms coverage was both a council and government priority, no conservation objections had been received and the balancing exercise was one of need and requirement against harm to heritage assets and the character and amenity of the locality. He drew attention to the late observations which confirmed that the applicant had permission to alter the alignment of the existing kerbing at their own cost.

The members then had the opportunity to ask technical questions of officers and it was confirmed that the colour of the mast would be sympathetic to its background. Clarification was sought on the Inspector judging the appeals and it was confirmed this was a PINS Inspector.

Members of the public then had the opportunity to address the Committee as detailed above.

The Local Member, Councillor Sheila Parker had the opportunity to address the Committee, highlighting the mast as sticking out within its surrounding  being the only pole visible and suggested the use of a tree design in mitigation.

In the debate that followed the Committee expressed sympathy with the local residents but noted that legislative framework was very clear.

Resolved:

To GRANT planning permission for both applications 11/03974/FUL & 12/03843/LBC for the following reason:

The proposed mast in the form of a telegraph pole and its associated equipment housing would be seen in the context of existing signage immediately next to it and with mature trees elsewhere in the vicinity. Consequently it is considered that any harm to the character and appearance of the Cotswold AONB and the effect would be minimal and in addition it would not detract from the openness of the Green Belt in this location. Further no harm is caused to the nearby heritage asset - the listed bridge structure or its setting having regard to the existing characteristics.  The proposals are thus in accordance with Policies C3, NE1 and NE4 of the adopted North Wiltshire Local Plan 2011 and paragraphs 42 and 46 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2012.

Subject to the following conditions:

1.     The development/works hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission

REASON: To comply with the provisions of Section 91 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and the provisions of Section 18 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.     Notwithstanding the details submitted, prior to the commencement of development/works, details of the colour and finish of the mast and associated equipment shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be undertaken in accordance with the details approved and maintained thereafter.

REASON:  In the interests of the character and appearance of the area and adjacent Listed Building.

3.     The mast and equipment shall be removed from the site within 3 months of it ceasing to be required for telecommunications purposes.

REASON: In the interests of visual amenity and the adjacent Listed Building.

4.     The development hereby permitted shall be implemented in accordance with the submitted plans and documents listed below.  No variation from the approved plans should be made without the prior approval of the local planning authority. Amendments may require the submission of a further application.

Plans: Map showing preferred and discounted options for Cell No: AVN0552 dated 2nd December 2011

Map showing current GSM (in-train) Coverage from survey February 2011 dated 2nd December 2011 

Revised Dwg Nos: A/GA/01 Rev B: A/GA/02 Rev B; A/GA/03 Rev B; A/GA/04/Rev B and A/GA/05 Rev B all dated 16th November 2012.

REASON: To ensure that the development is implemented as approved.

INFORMATIVES

1.     The applicant is advised that no work should be carried out on the development site that may endanger the safe operation of the railway or the stability of Network Rail’s structures and adjoining land.  Care must be taken to ensure that no debris or other materials can fall onto Network Rail land.  In view of the close proximity of these proposed works to the railway boundary the developer should contact Richard Selwood at Network Rail on AssetProtectionWestern@networkrail.co.uk  before works begin.

2.     The Council will encourage the consideration and use of this mast by other Telecommunications Code System Operators for mast sharing purposes.