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From: Planners (Manx Telecom) To: CO, Planning Appeals Cc: Planners (Manx Telecom) Subject: FW: Appeal Ref AP25/0034 Date: 17 October 2025 09:48:47 Attachments: ufm7_2024_Appellant_WTN_SOC.pdf
Dear Planning Appeals, Please see below further information to consider for planning appeal AP25/0034. Appeal Ref: AP25/0034 Proposal: Installation of 3 Telegraph Poles to provide fibre optic connectivity to 3-6 & 4148 Ballaquane Park Planning Ref: 25/90402/B Address: Ballaquane Park Peel Isle Of Man IM5 1PX
Design and Placement Considerations The proposed poles have been carefully sited to minimise intrusion into pedestrian pathways and to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. Their placement has been selected to avoid obstructing movement and to maintain the functional width of footpaths. Existing footpaths do not meet the current highway standards though Highways Services did not object to this application and commented that the proposal has “no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking as at least 1.2m footway width is maintained around the poles.” At the design stage we have used the Telecommunications Poles Working Group Best Practice Recommendations guide as part of the planning decisions and design for this scheme. We also took in the considerations of the Cabinet Siting and Pole Siting, Code of Practice, Issue 2; November 2016. (UK Guidance for best practice). These considerations can be seen with in the application documents plans. Visual Integration and Character Wooden telegraph poles are a longstanding and familiar feature of residential infrastructure across the Isle of Man. Manx Telecom currently utilises 2,487 of its own telegraph poles and attaches to approximately 2,500 poles from Manx Utilities’ estate, which comprises around 10,000 poles Island-wide. These installations are essential for delivering fibre broadband services to homes and businesses. The scale and height of the proposed poles are proportionate to their function to meet current standard of clearance height across the carriageway. We don’t believe they are excessive when compared to other street furniture such as lighting columns. This approach reflects established practice across the Island and supports the continued rollout of highspeed connectivity in line with national infrastructure goals. Compliance with General Policy 2 of the Strategic Plan We believe the proposal aligns with the relevant clauses of General Policy 2:
any visual impact is mitigated through careful siting and design. (h) The infrastructure supports essential utility services, contributing to the Island’s connectivity and resilience, which is a key objective of sustainable development.
Previous Planning applications: It is important to note that all applications have received recommendation for approval from the Planning Case Officer. Manx Telecom has previously submitted applications and received approvals for:
All of these were approved by the Planning Committee and therefore were deemed to comply with Planning Policies and align with strategic infrastructure goals. Highlighting an earlier application that has been approved 23/01236/B – Ballamillaghyn Estate, Mount Rule. The house type and topography of the dwelling density is similar to this application. 87% of properties within this application has now moved on to the new fibre network. During the planning approval process 28% of residence objected to the erection of new telegraph poles. 100% of the objectors have moved on to the new fibre network.
Despite similar infrastructure and planning context, Planning Committee have deemed
Manx Telecom recognises the importance of balancing infrastructure improvements with the preservation of local character and amenity. However, we firmly believe that the benefits of delivering enhanced broadband and fibre connectivity—particularly in areas currently not served by fibre today —significantly outweigh the limited and localised visual impact associated with the proposed development. The installation of telegraph poles is a necessary component of expanding our network coverage and delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity to homes and businesses across the Island. These improvements directly support the Isle of Man Government’s strategic objectives as outlined in the Island Plan, the National Telecommunications Strategy, and the National Broadband Plan. In this context, we believe that greater material weight must be given to the long-term public benefit of improved digital infrastructure. The proposed development aligns with national policy priorities and contributes to the Island’s economic resilience, social inclusion, and technological advancement. Manx Telecom remains committed to working collaboratively with planning authorities and local communities to ensure that all infrastructure projects are delivered responsibly, with sensitivity to the surrounding environment and in full compliance with planning policy.
Regards Manx Telecom Planning
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