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1201158
Our Ref: GH/Manx/Nightlife
15 August 2012
MONO CONSULTANTS LIMITED
48 ST VINCENT STREET
GLASGOW G2 5TS
t: 44 (0)141 566 6660 f: 44 (0)141 566 6661 www.monoconsultants.com Director of Planning Planning and Building Control Division Department of Infrastructure
Murray House
Mount Havelock
Douglas
ISLE OF MAN
IM1 2SF
Dear Sir or Madam
Please find attached an application for planning permission and registered building consent on behalf of Manx Telecom. The proposal involves the installation of 4No face mounted antennas onto the two chimney stacks of Nightlife, Market Place, Ramsey. The proposal also involves the installation of wall mounted equipment cabinets within the room on the third floor of the building. The proposed antennas and supporting steelwork would be painted to match the background on which it is mounted.
The application comprises:
We trust that the information contained is sufficient for you to determine the applications, however please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.
Yours faithfully, Ginny Hall MRTPI Direct Dial: 0141 270 2733 Mobile: 07796 995 843 E-mail: [email protected] (For and on Behalf of Manx Telecom) RECEIVED BY: 12/27/12 12:52:50 AM REGISTERED OFFICE 48 ST VINCENT STREET GLASGOW G2 5TS
| Specifications: | 806–866 MHz | 824–894 MHz | 880–960 MHz | 1710–1880 MHz | 1850–1990 MHz | 1920–2170 MHz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gain | 11.1 dBi | 11.4 dBi | 11.8 dBi | 12.8 dBi | 13.3 dBi | 13.6 dBi |
| Front-to-back ratio co-polar | >23 dB | >23 dB | >25 dB | >25 dB | >25 dB | >25 dB |
| total power (180° ± 30°) | >20 dB | >20 dB | >22 dB | >22 dB | >22 dB | >22 dB |
| Maximum power per input | 250 watts (at 50°C) | 250 watts (at 50°C) | 250 watts (at 50°C) | 200 watts (at 50°C) | 200 watts (at 50°C) | 200 watts (at 50°C) |
| +45° and -45° polarization horizontal beamwidth | 67° (half-power) | 66° (half-power) | 64° (half-power) | 66° (half-power) | 60° (half-power) | 60° (half-power) |
| +45° and -45° polarization vertical beamwidth | 34° (half-power) | 33° (half-power) | 30° (half-power) | 20° (half-power) | 18° (half-power) | 17.5° (half-power) |
| Cross polar ratio Main direction 0° Sector ±60° | 25 dB (typical) >10 dB | 25 dB (typical) >10 dB | 25 dB (typical) >10 dB | 16 dB (typical) >10 dB | 18 dB (typical) >10 dB | 20 dB (typical) >10 dB |
Kathrein's dual band antennas are ready for 3G applications, covering all existing wireless bands as well as all spectrum under consideration for future systems, AMPS, PCS and 3G/UMTS. These cross-polarized antennas offer diversity operation in the same space as a conventional 800 MHz antenna, and are mountable on our compact sector brackets.
See reverse for order information.
Horizontal pattern ±45°-polarization
Vertical pattern ±45°-polarization
1710–2170 MHz
Horizontal pattern ±45°-polarization
Vertical pattern ±45°-polarization
| Frequency range | 806–960 MHz 1710–2170 MHz |
| VSWR | <1.5:1 |
| Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Intermodulation (2x20w) | IM3: <-150 dBc |
| Polarization | +45° and -45° |
| Connector | 4 x 7/16 DIN female |
| Isolation intrasystem intersystem | >30 dB >45 dB (806–960 // 1710–2170 MHz) |
| Weight | 16.5 lb (7.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 22.8 x 10.3 x 5.5 inches (579 x 262 x 139 mm) |
| Equivalent flat plate area | 1.73 ft² (0.161 m²) |
| Wind survival rating* | 120 mph (200 kph) |
| Shipping dimensions | 29 x 11.9 x 7.6 inches (736 x 302 x 192 mm) |
| Shipping weight | 21 lb (9.5 kg) |
| Mounting | Fixed mount options are available for 2 to 4.6 inch (50 to 115 mm) OD masts. Panel may be inverted. |
*Mechanical design is based on environmental conditions as stipulated in EIA-222-F (June 1996) and/or ETS 300 019-1-4 which include the static mechanical load imposed on an antenna by wind at maximum velocity. See the Engineering Section of the catalog for further details.
Mounting Options:
{{image:723482}} {{image:723483}}
Order Information:
| Model | Description |
| 2 x 738 546 | Mounting Kit for 2 to 4.6 inch (50 to 115 mm) OD mast. |
| 737 978 | Tilt Kit for use with the 2 x 738 546 mounting kit 0–34 degrees downtilt angle. |
| Model | Description |
| 742 226 | Antenna with 4 x 7/16 DIN connectors 0° electrical downtilt |
| Reasons for choice of design: |
| A thorough search of the central Ramsey area was undertaken to find a suitable location for the installation of telecommunications equipment to meet the demand for improved 3G coverage in the centre of the town, especially to the south of the harbour area. The Nightlife building was considered to be the best option available in terms of the level of coverage provided and minimising impact on the character and appearance of the area. Given that the Nightlife building is a Registered Building within the Ramsey Conservation Area it is accepted that telecommunications equipment will need to be designed in a way which is sensitive to the character and visual amenity of the building and surrounding area. The proposal, which is subject of this application, involves the installation of antennas onto the front and rear elevations of the two chimney stacks on the roof of the building, in addition to some internal equipment cabinets within the fourth floor of the building. The proposed antennas and supporting steelwork would be painted to match the building fabric on which they are mounted in order to minimise visual contrast when viewed from the surrounding area. The use of face mounted antennas onto the chimneys of the building ensures that the equipment would not protrude above the roof of the building, thereby minimising impact on the shape and appearance of the building when viewed from the surrounding Conservation Area. |
Airport Director Consultation (only required for an application for prior approval) {{table:409043}} Developer's Notice {{table:409044}}
| Copy of Developer's Notice enclosed? | Yes | No |
| Date served: n/a |
| The proposed site: |
| The proposed site is a four storey Registered Building located in the Ramsey's Market Place in Ramsey Conservation Area. The building is currently in use as a nightclub. The surrounding area is predominantly commercial in nature and the Nightlife building is one of the tallest buildings in the vicinity. |
| Type of Structure: |
| Description: |
| The proposal involves the installation of 4No face mounted antennas onto the two chimney stacks of Nightlife, Market Place, Ramsey. The proposal also involves the installation of wall mounted equipment cabinets within the room on the third floor of the building. The proposed antennas and supporting steelwork would be painted to match the background on which they are mounted. |
¹ Macro or Micro
| ICNIRP Declaration attached | Yes | No |
| ICNIRP public compliance is determined by mathematical calculation and implemented by careful location of antennas, access restrictions and/or barriers and signage as necessary. Members of the public cannot unknowingly enter areas close to the antennas where exposure may exceed the relevant guidelines. | ||
| When determining compliance the emissions from all mobile phone network operators on the site are taken into account. |
| Frequency: | 3G (TX) - 2110.3-2120.3Mhz |
| Modulation characteristics² | 3G: QPSK + 16 QAM |
| Power output (expressed in EIRP in dBW per carrier) | 3G: 60.3 |
| Height to underside of antennas (m above ground level) | 13.2 metres |
² The modulation method employed in GSM is GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying) which is a form of Phase modulation The modulation method employed in UMTS is QPSK (Quad Phase Shift Keying) which is another form of Phase Modulation
| Reason(s) why site required e.g. coverage, upgrade, capacity (map attached if required): |
| In order to improve the level of service that Manx Telecom provides for their customers, they are constantly developing their network, as well as refining and modernising their equipment. The dynamic nature of technological advances in the telecommunications industry, coupled with the demands from subscribers to provide new and better quality services, dictates a continual reinvestment programme in the infrastructure behind the use of mobile devices. Manx Telecom are currently involved in developing new sites to provide coverage to areas which have not benefited from access to the full services they offer and to areas of their existing network where increased capacity or improved service quality is required to meet demand. |
| Many more people now use mobile devices for personal and business purposes and to a large proportion of the population, the use of a mobile phone is now considered an essential part of everyday life, both at work and in their leisure time. These customers legitimately demand and expect to have adequate signal coverage and capacity for their mobile devices throughout the island. |
| However it remains the case in some areas and at particular times of the day, capacity on the Manx Telecom network may not keep up with demand, creating network congestion, poor download speeds and service disconnections. Combating these technical deficiencies is at the forefront of the origins of a new cell instruction. |
| Although the main functionality of mobile phones to support voice calls and messaging remains at its core, in recent years the emergence of smart phones and high-spec wireless devices has put added pressures on Manx Telecom's network as customers demand reliable data streaming and coverage capacity. The increasing ownership of smart phones is driving significant increases in the number of people accessing the internet on mobile phone networks, creating the emergence and growth of the 'pocket internet'. |
| In this respect many consumers have commented that typical mobile speeds are insufficient for the use of data-hungry mobile devices seeking to download music, video content and applications. Internet-based communications services such as social networking sites and instant messaging has put added pressure on mobile phone networks as the growth in the average time spent online can be attributed to the use of the internet becoming more mainstream and accessible via mobile devices. Improved in-building coverage and capacity is a key objective of Manx Telecom's 3G network rollout. |
| It is emphasised that the only reason Manx Telecom seeks to place a base station anywhere is to improve the service to its customers and planning authorities should not question the need for a proposed telecommunications |
development. Indeed it would not be financially viable for Manx Telecom to develop their existing networks further and invest time and monies into any particular case, if there was no demand for the mobile phone service it seeks to provide. Any new telecommunications base station should be seen as an important economic driver which is a material planning consideration.
The proposed site at the Nightlife is required in order to provide high quality 3G coverage to the streets and buildings in the central Ramsey area. The enclosed coverage plot entitled 'Ramsey – Current UMTS Coverage' shows that central areas of Ramsey have a lack of high quality 3G coverage. The plot illustrates that some areas in central Ramsey are shaded in red, yellow and green colours which illustrate a low level of 3G coverage which would not be readily accessible inside buildings. This coverage deficiency means that customers may have difficulties gaining access to the full services available through the Manx Telecom 3G network when they are indoors in central areas of Ramsey. The coverage plot entitled 'Ramsey Area Composite UMTS Coverage with Nightlife' illustrates the level of 3G coverage which would result from the existing Manx Telecom sites in the Ramsey area, in addition to the proposed site at Nightlife. This clearly illustrates that the proposed installation at the Nightlife will ensure that central areas of Ramsey will benefit from an 'in-building' level of 3G Manx Telecom coverage.
The specific coverage requirement in this area of central Ramsey means that the search area where a site would be operationally viable is very limited.
The following table provides details of alternative sites that were considered and discounted prior to progressing with the site which is subject of this application (the locations are plotted on the aerial photo below):
| Map Ref: | Site Location | Reasons for discounting in terms of planning, acquisition and coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Existing Telecommunications Site Off Shipyard Road Ramsey | This existing telecommunications site is located to the north of the search area and a site at this location would not meet the coverage demand in central Ramsey. This option was therefore discounted as it would not provide the required level of coverage to the target area. |
| 2 | St Pauls Church Dale Street Ramsey | This building was surveyed with the intention of installing face mounted antennas onto the upper section of the building. Following further consideration, it was discounted because the proposed scheme at Nightlife was considered to be preferable in terms of minimising visual impact. The installation at Nightlife would also provide a better level of coverage to the surrounding target area than an installation on St Pauls Church. |
| 3 | Kings Court Ramsey | The possibility of installing telecommunications equipment on the roof of this building was considered but subsequently discounted because the residents were unwilling to accommodate the equipment at this location. |
| 4 | Royal George Market Place Ramsey | This building was considered for the installation of telecommunications equipment; however, due to the low height of roof in comparison to surrounding buildings and the lack of suitable design options, it was subsequently discounted in favour of the Nightlife Building. |
| 5 | St Maughold Church South Promenade Ramsey | This building was considered for the installation of telecommunications equipment. The installation of equipment behind the louvers had to be discounted because the antennas would be blocked by surrounding building clutter. The pitched roof on the tower also rules out the possibility of installing a replica flagpole on this building. Face mounted antennas were also considered, however, there would be some signal blocking and clipping issues from surrounding buildings and it was therefore considered that the Nightlife building would be preferable in terms |
The following aerial photo shows the location of the alternative sites that have been discounted in relation to the search area which is shown as a red circle:
Additional relevant information:
Isle of Man Strategic Plan (Adopted 2007)
It is recognised by many that telecommunication networks are a core infrastructure asset for any modern economy and the Isle of Man Government need to plan positively for their installation and long term use.
Infrastructure Policy 3 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan (Adopted 2007) deals specifically with communications systems and states:
| of the level of coverage provided to the target area. | ||
| 6 | Ramsey Swimming Pool Ramsey | This is a low level building which would not be high enough to accommodate rooftop equipment. It was considered that the installation of face mounted antennas onto the Nightlife building would be preferable to the installation of a large ground based monopole within the grounds of the swimming pool. |
1201158
'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.'
In accordance with Infrastructure Policy 3, an additional base station is required in central Ramsey in order to satisfy the residential and business demand for high quality in-building 3G coverage. A thorough search of the area has shown that there are no existing telecommunications sites within the search area which would meet the coverage demand in the central Ramsey area.
The proposal which is subject of this application involves the installation of small scale, face mounted telecommunications equipment onto the two chimney stacks of the Nightlife building, thereby negating the need for a ground based mast. While the proposal which is subject of this application is only for Manx Telecom, the possibility of installing additional telecommunications equipment for another operator could be considered on a case by case basis. Given the Registered status of the building and the location within a Conservation Area, any equipment by additional operators would need to be sensitively designed in order to ensure that impact on the character and appearance of the building is minimised. It is considered that the sensitive design which is proposed at the Nightlife building, along with the importance of providing improved mobile communications coverage to the surrounding area, ensures that a good balance is struck between the need for evolving communications systems and minimising impact on the environment. In accordance with Infrastructure Policy 3, we can confirm that Manx Telecom would remove any equipment that becomes redundant in the future.
Environment Policy 32 from the Isle of Man Strategic Plan relates to development affecting Registered Buildings and states that:
"Extensions or alterations to a Registered Building which would affect detrimentally its character as a building or special architectural or historic interest will not be permitted."
Environment Policy 35 of the Isle of Man Strategic Plan deals with development within Conservation Areas and states:
"Within Conservation Areas, the Department will permit only development which would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Area, and will ensure that the special features contributing to the character and quality are protected against inappropriate development."
The proposed installation of telecommunications equipment at Nightlife complies with Environment Policies 32 and 35 of the Strategic Plan as it will not result in any detrimental impact on the character of the building, or on the architectural or historic interest of the building. While the proposal will result in some minor additions to the front and rear elevations of the two chimney stacks, the sensitive siting and colouring of the equipment will ensure that the impact on the character and appearance of the building and surrounding Conservation Area will be minimal. While it would be difficult to argue that the installation would 'enhance' the Conservation Area, it is considered that the installation will 'preserve' the character and appearance of the area.
Overall, it is considered that the proposal complies with relevant policies in the Isle of Man Strategic Plan.
Policy and Guidance Notes for the Conservation of the Historic Environment of the Isle of Man
Special attention has been paid to the desirability of preserving the Registered Building, its setting and any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. Particular regard has been had to the historic and special architectural importance of the building and particular physical features of the building that justify its designation as a listed building.
The Introduction of the Policy and Guidance Notes states:
"Above all Conservation means ensuring that, to the fullest possible extent, our built heritage remains in active use as an integral part of the living and working community, as a material asset that makes a positive contribution to economic prosperity and the overall quality of life which we enjoy on the island."
In accordance with the above aim, the proposed installation on Nightlife will meet the demands of modern day
communications requirements in the area which in turn makes a positive contribution to economic prosperity and quality of life.
Policy RB/5 relates to Alterations to Registered Buildings and states:
"In considering whether to grant planning approval for development which affects a registered building or its setting and in considering whether to grant registered building consent for any works, the Department shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which is possesses."
It is considered that the proposal which is subject of this application would have a neutral impact on the setting and appearance of the Registered Building due to the sensitive siting and design of the proposed equipment on the chimney stacks. The proposal involves the installation of equipment onto the building and does not involve the permanent removal or alteration of any features of special architectural or historic interest. The proposal ensures that the heritage asset of the Registered Building is preserved while also providing the wider benefit of meeting the demand for high quality 3G coverage in the surrounding area.
As detailed in the Code of Best Practice, the options available to operators can be affected by site conditions, technical constraints, landscape features and capacity requirements. The main options available are mast/site sharing, installations on existing buildings and structures, camouflaging equipment, using small scale equipment and erecting new ground based masts.
As there are no existing telecommunications sites in the area, the search moved onto the consideration of existing buildings and structures which might be suitable for the installation of telecommunications equipment. As detailed in Section 6 of this statement, various buildings were considered and discounted prior to progressing with the proposed installation at the Nightlife building. Given the sensitive nature of the proposed site, Manx Telecom is proposing to use small scale antennas which would be coloured to match the building in order to minimise visual contrast.
Paragraph 135 of the Code of Best Practice highlights that the visual impact of installing telecommunications equipment onto buildings can be reduced by painting the equipment to match the background on which it is attached, keep in proportion to the building, respect architectural style, have minimal impact above the roofline and avoid creating clutter on the building. In accordance with that advice, the proposed antennas on Nightlife have been selected in order to fit onto the existing chimney without dominating the building and its architectural features and avoiding any impact on the roofline. In addition, the equipment would be painted to match the background on which it is mounted.
The issue of health and safety concerns regarding telecommunications apparatus has been the subject of recent media coverage within the UK. As you may be aware, an Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP) undertook thorough and in-going research with regard to the health effects of phones and base stations. The research found that:
"...the balance of the evidence does not suggest that mobile phone technologies put the health of the general population at risk."
Court cases and appeals in the UK have established that health concerns are not a sufficient basis alone for withholding planning permission, notwithstanding any view the Authority may have adopted about current research in this field, providing it has been demonstrated that the proposed installation will comply with the ICNIRP guidelines.
The proposal, which is the subject of this application, is designed to be ICNIRP compliant as demonstrated by the ICNIRP certificate included with this application.
| Name: (Agent) | Mono Consultants Limited | Telephone: | 0141 270 2733 |
| Operator: | Manx Telecom Limited | Fax no: | 0141 566 6661 |
| Address: | Mono Consultants Limited 48 St Vincent St Glasgow G2 5TS | Email: | [email protected] |
| Signed: | Mono Consultants Limited | Date: | 15 August 2012 |
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