PLANS to install a telecoms mast in a village have met strong resistance because it will ‘dominate the skyline’.
Cornerstone Telecommunications has submitted to Bucks Council a fresh planning application relating to Penn Street Farm.
Plans detail the installation of a 22.5-metre lattice mast with three antennas, two dishes, three radio equipment cabinets, and an electricity meter box.
The entire structure will be housed within a timber fence compound.
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But the farm owner claims they were denied an opportunity to “fully engage” with the scheme, because Cornerstone allegedly notified them just before the Christmas break (December 21), telling them they had 21 days to reply at a time when the ‘planning office was closed’.
Penn Street Farm also said the mast is “inappropriate” because it will “dwarf” its buildings, and ‘dominate the skyline’.
A similar scheme was previously refused, according to council documents.
The proposal
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“There is a resultant detrimental effect on the environment and landscape and therefore the proposed development is not considered to be acceptable in the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty),” a previous decision notice.
“The applicant has submitted the application in advance of the Christmas break, meaning that the landowner’s opportunity to fully engage with the planning authority during those 21 days in relation to the application is being reduced due to the planning office being closed,” a statement on behalf of Penn Street Farm.
“The owner wishes to register the strongest objection to this proposal…the mast will dwarf these buildings thereby dominating the skyline in this exposed hilltop location within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“It is, we believe, difficult to consider a more inappropriate site for such a proposal.”
A cover letter on behalf of Cornerstone: “The enclosed application is identified as the most suitable site option and design that balances operational need with local planning policies and national planning policy guidance. It will deliver public benefit in terms of the mobile services it will provide.”
To view and comment on the plans, use planning portal reference: PL/22/0014/FA.
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