25 June 2019 · Committee
Arqiva Small Transmitter Site, Old Castletown Road, Douglas, Isle Of Man, IM4 1ab
Permission was granted for the erection of a 40-metre high telecommunications mast, along with a supporting structure, boundary fence, and ancillary buildings at the Old BBC Transmitting Site on Old Castletown Road, Douglas. The site sits in countryside to the south of Douglas and already contains a 20-metre mast, associated buildings, and large satellite antennae. Two other masts of approximately 40 metres in height are also present in the immediate vicinity. The officer report noted that while the site is potentially visible from several public locations, views are at a fairly significant distance, with the closest views from a privately owned access track. The committee considered the principle of development, visual impact, potential effects on a nearby Wildlife Site, and health. The application was approved with five conditions attached.
The committee approved the application on 25 June 2019. Key planning issues considered included the principle of development at this countryside location, the visual impact of the taller mast, the potential effect on a nearby Wildlife Site, and health. The proposal was found acceptable in light of these considerations, and five conditions were attached to the permission.
Isle of Man Strategic Plan 2016
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
Condition 1
The development hereby approved shall be begun before the expiration of four years from the date of this decision notice.
Condition 2
Notwithstanding drawing number no 19/14/A (date stamped as having been received 08/02/19) prior to the development hereby approved being brought into use, Paladin fencing shall be erected around the site to a height of no more than 2.15 metres and powder coated dark green. The fencing shall be retained as such thereafter, unless required to be removed by condition 5.
Condition 3
The building hereby approved shall be coloured to match the existing building on the site unless otherwise approved in writing by the Department.
Condition 4
No generator shall be installed on the site unless in accordance with details which have first been approved in writing by the Department.
Condition 5
Unless otherwise approved in writing by the Department, the mast, fencing, building, generator and slab hereby approved shall be removed from the site within 6 months of the site no longer being in use.
Erection of four satellite ground antennas with related buildings and security fencing (comprising amendments to PA 16/00266/B)
Extension of existing site including the erection of additional telecommunications equipment, erection of small office and welfare facility for maintenance staff, all with associated ground works, landscaping, fencing and video surveillance poles
