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Our Ref: GH/~anx Telecom/Baldrine MONO CONSULTANTS LIMITED 48 5T VINCENT STREET Director of Planning Department of Infrastructure Murray House Mount Havelock Douglas ISLE OF MAN IM1 2SF
GlASGOW G2 5TS
t 44 (0) 141 566 666Cll: 44 (0) loll Sti66661
WNw .monoconsultants com
17 July 2014
Dear Sir or Madam
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (PERMITIED DEVELOPMENT) (TELECOMMUNICATIONS) ORDER 2013
In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) (Telecommunications) Order 2013, please find attached an application on behalf of Manx Telecom to the local planning authority for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required to the siting and appearance of the development.
• Proposed removal of the existing 8m high telecommunications monopole and installation of a replacement
8m high telecommunications monopole accommodating 3No antennas within a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) shroud at the existing telecommunications site, Baldrine Methodist Church, Baldrine Road, Baldrine, Isle of Man, IM4 6DE.
The application comprises:
We trust that the information contained is sufficient for you to determine the application, however please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information.
Yours faithfully
~.
Ginny Hall MRTPI SENIOR PLANNER Email: qinny.hall@monoconsultants_com Direct Dial: 0141 2702733 Mobile: 07796 995 843
I SUPPORTING INFORMATION .J
| Site Name: | Baldrine |
|---|---|
Site Address: Existing Manx Telecom Base Slation Baldrine Methodist Church, NGR: 242744E,481132N Baldrine Road, Baldrine, Isle of Man, IM460E Site Ref Number; SRAN04 Site Tvae: Uoarade
Pre.application consultation with local planning authority
| Date of written offer of ore-aoolicalion consultation: | Various |
| Was there re-application contact | Ves I No |
| Date of ore-aoQlication contact: Name of contacts: | Various Michael Gallagher |
| Ed Riley | |
|---|---|
| Ian Brooks | Ian Brooks |
Summary of outcome/Main issues raised: An email was sent to Michael Gallagher by Mike Readshaw (Head of Mobile Networks at Manx Telecom) on 04 June 2014 which outlined Manx Telecom's intention to launch their 4G network during the summer of 2014. The email included drawings showing the proposed upgrade of six existing Manx Telecom base stations in order to accommodate 4G equipment and requested feedback prior to the submission of formal planning applications.
A response was sent from Ed Riley to Mike Readshaw on 25 June 2014 which confirmed that five of the six upgrades would require an application for Prior Approval.
A further telephone discussion between Dave Meban (Manx Telecom), Ed Riley and Ian Brooks on 27 June 2014 confirmed that due to the nature of the upgrade proposals, the applications for Prior Approval would not require details on alternative sites or coverage plots.
Airport Director Consultation (only required for an application for prior approval) Will the structure be within 3km of an aerodrome or airfield? Has the Air ort Director been nolified? Details of response: nfa Developer's Notice Co of Developer's Notice enclosed? Dale served:
Ves
No
Ves
No
No
Ves 15 Jul
The ro osed sile: The proposal relates to the upgrade of the existing Manx Telecom base station which is located on ground to the rear of the Baldrine Methodist Church. There are a variety of trees and bushes of approximately 5 metres in height in the vicinity of the telecommunications site. The site is located immediately adjacent to the Manx Electric Railway line and the proposed pole will benefit from being seen in the context of the infrastructure associated with the railway and the surrounding telegraph poles. A combination of the existing tree screening and the colouring of the proposed mast (to match existing) ensures that the upgrade wilt not result in any significant impact on the character or visual amenity of the surrounding area,
TVDeof Structure: Description: The proposal involves the removal of the existing 8m high telecommunications monopole and inslallation of a replacement 8m high telecommunications monopole accommodating 3No antennas within a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) shroud at the existing telecommunications site, Baldrine Methodist Church, Baldrine Road, Baldrine, Isle of Man, lM4 6DE.
Overall Pole Heiaht: 8 Metres Materials: Tower/masl etc - type of material and external colour: Galvanised steel construction painted Bitter
Chocolate Brown (8508829).
Reasons for choice of desian:
In this instance, the choice of design tabled in this application has been influenced by the existing base station's siting and appearance; the technologies it currently supports; as well as the added requirement to cater for 4G coverage requirements. As part of a sequential approach to site selection, the proposal involves upgrading an existing base station.
The overall height of the proposed replacement pole, at 8 metres to top, has been kept to its technical minimum in order to provide adequate coverage to the surrounding area. The proposed antennas will provide multiple technology coverage 10Ihe surrounding area. While the diameter of the antenna shroud on the replacement pole will be slightly larger than that of Ihe existing pole, the dimensions of the proposed mast are the thinnest available to the applicant to support the technically preferred antennas and feeder cables. When comparing the design of the existing and proposed structures, it is considered that the change in dimensions and appearance would be minimal. The replacement pole would be coloured to match the finish of the existing pole (Bitter Chocolate Brown: B508829) which is considered to be the preferred finish to minimise contrast between the proposed pole and surrounding area.
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Declaration attached Yes No (see below)-
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection 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 or near to the site are taken into account.
In order 10 minimise interference within its own network and with other radio networks, Manx Telecom operates its network in such a way the radio frequency power outputs are kept to the lowest levels commensurate with effective service provision. As part of Manx Telecom's network, the radio base station that is the subject of this application will be configured to operate in this way.
The telecommunications infrastructure the subject of this application accords with all relevant legislation and as such will not cause significant and irremediable interference with other electrical equipment. air traffic services or instrumentation operated in the national interest.
| Fre uency Band | 900Mhz 2100Mhz | 900Mhz | 800Mhz | 1800Mhz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modulation | 64QAM 64QAM | 8PSK | 64QAM | 64QAM |
| EIRP (dBW 27 32 31.8 30 29 | EIRP (dBW 27 32 31.8 30 29 | EIRP (dBW 27 32 31.8 30 29 | EIRP (dBW 27 32 31.8 30 29 | EIRP (dBW 27 32 31.8 30 29 |
Heiaht to underside of antennas: 6 metres
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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 upgrading their existing telecommunications network to provide 4G mobile coverage to their customers.
4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone technology and follows on from 2G and 3G. The 2G technology is predominately used for making calls and sending text messages, whilst 3G enables access to internet services more effectively through a mobile device. 4G services are intended to improve mobile broadband services, enabling greater capacities of data to be shared via mobile technologies with speeds likely to be nearer those currently experienced via home broadband.
Alternative sites considered and not chosen (not generally required for upgrades/alterations to existing sites
| including redevelo | pment of an existing site to fac | ilitate an upgrad | e or sharing with another operator) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site Type | Site Name & Address | NGR | Reason for not choosing |
nla nla nla nla
If no alternative site options have been investigated, please explain why: We can confirm Ihat the 1:50000 Site location Plan submitted with this application also represents the 'Area of Search' plan as required by Article 3(8)(c) of the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) (Telecommunications) Order 2013.
In accordance with the operator's licence obligations and the Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development, Manx Telecom have reviewed existing telecommunications provision in the intended target area. An existing Manx Telecom base station has been identified as being suitable for upgrading to provide 4G coverage thereby using the sequential approach to site selection. Furthermore, it should be acknowledged that alternative sites were considered and discounted by Manx Telecom and the planning authority prior to the existing base station being installed.
Additional relevant information;
Planning Policy and Material Considerations
'sle of Man Strategic Plan 2007 It is recognised that telecommunication networks are a core infrastructure asset for any modern economy and local authorities 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:
'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 shan.ng 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 the proposed installation subject of this application has been designed to minimise impact on the surrounding landscape. The replacement monopole structure has been selected for the proposed location in order to minimise visual change from the current equipment which has become an established and accepted installation in the area.
While we accept that the replacement installation will slill be visible from certain viewpoints in the surroun ihg area, it is considered that the sensitive design along with the importance of providing 4G mobile communications
covefage to 'the area ensure 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, the proposal which is subject of this application would make use of mast sharing at an existing and established telecommunications site. In accordance with Infrastructure Policy 3, we can confirm that Manx Telecom would remove any equipment that becomes redundant in the future.
Overall, it is considered that the careful siting and design of the upgrade proposal which would not constitute a 'visually intrusive mast within a sensitive landscape' ensures that there will be no significant impact on the character and visual amenity of the surrounding area and that the proposal subject of this application complies with all the requirements of Infrastructure Policy 3 of the Strategic Plan.
Planning Assessment From the outset, it should be appreciated that irrespective of the installation's use as a telecommunications base station, the change in form of an existing tall structure will often be, to some degree, a noticeable alteration to those residents and regular passersby found closest. However it should be recognised that visibility or a development's height and design does not automatically result in an overwhelming adverse harm.
In light of the above it is considered that the planning assessment of this case should concentrate on whether the proposed changes in terms of its form when compared to the existing development are significant as to outweigh other material planning matters.
With regards the need for the development it has been highlighted previously that the existing base station requires upgrading to meet the existing and future demands of mobile users in the surrounding area. In this respect its continued presence and operation is essential in providing high quality network coverage for Manx Telecom, which is considered as a key component that will aid social and economic prosperity.
It should be acknowledged that a sequential approach to site selection has been taken. The upgrade proposal will facilitate mast sharing and provide multiple mobile coverage technologies. The upgrade proposal would not increase the proliferation of telecommunications apparatus within the area, as the proposal is a direct replacement for that which already exists on site. Taking into account all factors, it is considered that this site remains an appropriate location to site a telecommunication base station.
In light of the above, it is considered that the upgrade proposal would not be overly intrusive in this particular environment. Taking all matters into account, it is the applicant's opinion that the visual impact as a result of the proposed changes would not outweigh the other material merits of this case and that the upgrade proposal strikes a good balance between environmental impact and operational considerations.
Health & Safety It should be recognised that it has been long since established that the planning system is not the appropriate mechanism for determining health safeguards. It remains the Government's responsibility to decide what measures are necessary to protect public health. Most notably it is the Isle of Man Government's view that if a proposed development meets the ICNIRP guidelines for public exposure it should not be necessary for the Planning Authority, in processing and determining an application for planning permission or prior approval, to consider further the health aspects and concerns about them.
in thiS respect the operators believe that it is not necessary to consider health effects further. Manx Telecom, as well established operators are committed to ensuring that all new and upgraded installations are ICNIRP compliant. In this regard there should be no basis for this case to be refused on health and safety grounds or for reasons relating to public concerns about health and safety. An lCNIRP compliance certificate is attached as part of this submission. As previously noted in this supporting statement, the ICNIRP declaration takes into account the cumulative effect of the emissions from the proposed upgrade installation and all radio base stations present, at or co~located near to the ro osed installation.
Contact Details
| Name: (Aqen!) | Mono Consultants limited | Telenhone: | 01412702733 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operator: Address: | Manx Telecom Mono Consultants limited 48 St Vincent St | Fax no: Email: | 0141 5666661<br><br>[email protected] |
| Glasgow | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| G25TS |
Sianed: Mono Consultants Limited Date: 17 Julv 2014
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