21 October 2011 · Delegated
G. S. M. Site, Lhergy Vreck Farm, Douglas Road, Kirk Michael, Isle Of Man, IM6 1as
This application sought permission to install an additional antenna on an existing telecommunications mast at Lhergy Vreck Farm, Douglas Road, Kirk Michael, Isle of Man. The main planning issues examined were the visual impact of the proposed antenna, whether adding it would make the existing mast more prominent within the landscape, and public health matters. There is one previous planning history reference associated with the site. The application was approved on 21 October 2011 by the Director of Planning and Building Control under delegated authority, with three conditions attached to the permission.
The application was permitted by the Director of Planning and Building Control under delegated authority. The key planning issues considered were the visual impact of the additional antenna, whether it would make the existing mast more prominent in the landscape, and public health. The application was approved on 21 October 2011.
Infrastructure Policy 3
"A balance must be struck between the need for new, evolving communications systems to satisfy residential and business demand and the impact that the necessary infrastructure will have upon the environment. Measures which may help to achieve a satisfactory balance will include a presumption against visually intrusive masts in sensitive landscapes, the encouragement of mast sharing by different operators, and the removal of redundant infrastructure. Exceptions to this policy would need to demonstrate a strategic national need, which cannot be otherwise secured by mast sharing or alternative locations."
Paragraph 1.6.1 of the Strategic Plan
"The Island has a close relationship with the UK, within which there are land-use planning systems which have the same general purpose as, and much in common with our own system. We also have indirect links with the European Union. Accordingly, where unusual matters arise, or where there is no Manx guidance, it will often be appropriate and helpful to have regard to legal judgments or advice published in the UK or the EU."
Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 Telecommunications (PPG8)
Condition 1
The development hereby permitted shall commence before the expiration of four years from the date of this notice.
Condition 2
This approval relates to the installation of an additional antenna on existing telecommunications mast, Lhergy Vreck Farm, Douglas Road, Kirk Michael, as shown by MT15-JB13-21-01-Rev A, MT15-JB13-21-02-Rev A, LVKMC/002 Rev 1 and A1615 received 28th July 2011.
Condition 3
The approved antenna shall be used only as a receiving antenna in accordance with the specification information submitted by email 11th October 2011 by Selex Systems.
