TAMESIDE Council has been defeated after refusing permission for a new 5G phone mast to be installed in Denton.
A year after turning down CK Hutchinson Telecom’s application to put the controversial device on land at Hyde Road, that call has been overturned.
And even though a planning inspector concedes putting the 15m high street pole with wrap-around cabinet and three further additional equipment cabinets would be ‘harmful to the character and appearance of the area’ it can now be built.
A report by David Jones after the company lodged an appeal sates: “The main issue is the effect of the siting and appearance of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area and, if any harm is identified, whether it would be outweighed by the need for the installation to be sited as proposed taking into account any suitable alternatives.”
But essentially the application has now been granted because the financial benefits outweigh the visual.
Even though there are a number of ‘vertical features’ – including streetlights and flag poles – nearby, it was said: “The proposed 15-metre-high street pole would be significantly taller, bulkier, and more prominent.
“When combined with the associated equipment cabinets, the proposed development would appear at odds with the prevailing size and scale of existing street furniture.
“The visual dominance of the proposal would be further exacerbated by the location of the appeal site. By virtue of the car parking area to the south and the highway to the north, the site occupies a prominent and open position.
“The openness of the site and its distance from any existing buildings would result in the proposed development appearing as an isolated feature which would not be viewed against a backdrop of built form or trees.”
Mr Jones added: “As such, I conclude that the siting and appearance of the proposed development would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area, albeit I find that the degree of harm to be moderate. “
Consideration was given to finding an alternative site in the vicinity but none were identified, with the report adding: “It is noted that, as with all 5G cells, the relevant search area is very constrained and that in this case, and the designated search area covers what is largely a densely populated residential area.
“Given the site’s location within a predominately residential area consisting of largely one and two storey properties, no suitable buildings or structures were identified within the search area.
“I find no compelling reason to disagree with this conclusion which has also not been contested by the council. Due to the residential nature of the area, it was apparent during my site visit that several of the discounted sites were in very close proximity to residential properties.”
The make-up of that area, however, played a big role in the decision, made last October, being overturned.
And the economic benefits a mast would bring swung the inspector’s mind in favour.
Mr Jones added: “The location of the appeal site adjacent to a retail premises and motorway weighs in favour of the proposal.
“As no suitable alternative sites have been identified, I attach substantial weight to the social and economic benefits that would result from the proposal.
“As a result, the moderate harm that I have found would be caused to the character and appearance of the area by the siting and appearance of the proposed development, would be outweighed by the social and economic benefits of the proposal.
“Whilst the evidence available to me suggests that such approval has not yet been obtained, National Highways did not object to the proposal or raise any particular concerns.
“This indicates that National Highways were not materially concerned about the likelihood of the appellant obtaining the necessary approval in due course, should it be required.
“Accordingly, I see no reason why any technical approval from National Highways could not be obtained prior to works commencing on site.”
Tameside councillors learned of the inspector’s decision at a meeting of the council’s Speakers Panel (Planning) committee on Wednesday, October 19.