Agenda item

It was noted that Members had visited the site on the previous day.

The following spoke under the public participation at meetings scheme:

·         Mr Adam Smedley on behalf of the applicant.

Members noted that the masts used by the current emergency services telecommunications system could not be reused as they worked on a different frequency to the new system and were supportive of the need for the proposal but were concerned that the land needed for screening was not within the applicant’s ownership or control.

Therefore the recommendation for refusal was moved and seconded.  Members felt this was the best way forward as it would allow the applicant to submit a new application to include additional land so that the existing trees adjacent to the site could be retained and protected by a planning condition and to provide for additional screening.  The motion was put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

That the application be REFUSED for the following reasons:

1.    The proposed base station would be a relatively tall structure within this protected landscape and would be prominent from many viewpoints within the Loxley Valley. The proposed development would have a harmful impact upon the scenic beauty of the landscape contrary to Core Strategy policies GSP1, GSP3, and L1 and Development Management DPD policy DMU4. 

2.    Whilst the proposed development would provide emergency services coverage and would provide economic and social benefits by facilitating the provision of mobile communications to the local community, it is considered that the harm that has been identified would outweigh the public benefits of the development and that therefore the proposal does not represent sustainable development and that approval would be contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework.