Agenda item

The Committee agreed that agenda item 7f would be heard before agenda item 7e.

The Chairman explained that there were two applications covered by the report and a decision would need to be made on both.

Public Participation

Mr Lyons 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 and listed building consent be granted subject to conditions.

He noted that this application had previously been deferred, and his report addressed the concerns raised.

The Committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions of officers and it was confirmed that whilst masts can potentially be shared there was no obligation to do so, and it was not possible to condition future applications.

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

The Local Member, Councillor Sheila Parker spoke in objection to the application. Whilst supporting the need for high quality communications she questioned the benefit of the mast with its role not being for local residents or businesses, not conserving or enhancing natural beauty and queried how its removal when redundant would be enforced.

In the debate that followed the Committee expressed sympathy with the local residents but noted that it should not question the need for telecommunications systems. The addition of an informative for other users to look at using this mast was agreed.

Resolved:

To GRANT planning permission for both applications 11/03983/FUL and 12/02928/FUL 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 much larger street furniture immediately adjacent to it.  Consequently it is considered that any harm to the character and appearance of the area would be de minimis and would not detract from the openness of the Green Belt at this location.  Further no harm is caused to nearby Listed Buildings of their settings having regard to existing characteristics.  The proposals thus accord with policies C3, NE1 and NE4 of the adopted North Wiltshire Local Plan 2011.

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 and 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 the 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:  HD102-20048 01 Rev B; HD102-200480 02 Rev B; HD102-20048 03 Rev B;  HD102-20048 04 Rev B.  Dated 2nd August 2012

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

Subject to the following Informatives:

1.     SAFETY

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.