Agenda item

The Planning Officer reported that a landscape and visual assessment report had been received too late to be included in the Planning Committee report but that the information in the assessment supported the findings of the Planning Officer. 

The following spoke under the Public Participation at Meetings Scheme:

• Peter Harris, PHA Communications on behalf of the Applicant

Members requested that a footnote be included to ensure any trees felled during the work to erect the mast be checked for nesting birds and appropriate action taken. 

The trees outside the development area are not under the control of the applicant and therefore condition 8 regarding the 100m radius of the mast is necessary to ensure the mast does not become exposed if trees are felled.

Members also requested that a condition be added that a construction access management plan be submitted to minimise the impact on the landscape of construction vehicles.

The mast currently located in the area is too small to be used for the emergency services and the new mast will be a lighter construction and have less impact even though it will be higher than the trees.  Although the main purpose of the mast is to provide coverage for emergency services, mobile phones on the EE network will also have improved coverage in the area.

The Officer recommendation to approve the application with the additional condition regarding the submission and approval of a construction management plan and an advisory note regarding breeding birds was moved and seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to no further representations being received between the committee date and the 15 March raising material planning considerations contrary to the resolution, and any received being considered by the Director of Conservation and Planning in consultation with the Chair/Vice Chair of Planning, the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1.     Commence the development within 3 years

2.     Carry out in accordance with specified approved plans

3.    The mast, antennas, dishes, cabinets and all associated fencing shall all be pre-coloured dark green to RAL 6009 before installation and be permanently so maintained throughout the lifetime of the development.

4.    Boundary walling to be rebuilt in accordance with approved plans before development brought into use.

5.    New access track to be formed with crushed gritstone only.

6.    Full details of the proposed regrading of the existing track to be submitted for written approval before any other works commence

7.     Submit and agree details of construction compound for materials, workers parking and welfare facilities before any other development on the site.

8.    Remove when no longer required for the mobile telecommunication purposes it was allowed or if the trees within a 100m radius of the mast are clear felled.

9.     Retention of removed trees on-site within woodland as deadwood habitat.

10.  A Construction Access Management Plan be submitted in advance of commencement of work on the site.

Footnote: Prior to felling of trees to clear the site a check is made for nesting birds and appropriate conservation action taken.

Cllr Andrew McCloy left  the meeting following consideration of this item.