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| Copy of Developer's Notice enclosed? | Yes | No |
| Date served: | 26 September 2014 |
Pre-application consultation with local planning authority {{table:266208}} Airport Director Consultation (only required for an application for prior approval) {{table:266209}} Developer's Notice {{table:266210}}
The proposed site:
The proposal relates to the upgrade of the existing Manx Telecom base station which is located within the grounds of Nobles Hospital, Strang, Isle of Man. The existing site is located adjacent to an access road to the north eastern edge of the Nobles Hospital campus. There are several trees of approximately 6-7 metres in height located adjacent to the site and various other vertical features including lighting columns, flues and storage tanks in the vicinity. Views of the telecommunications equipment from outwith the hospital compound are minimal and the proposed upgrade of this site is not expected to result in any increased impact on the character or visual amenity of the surrounding area.
| Frequency Band | 900Mhz | 2100Mhz | 900Mhz | 800Mhz | 1800Mhz |
| Modulation | 64QAM | 64QAM | 8PSK | 64QAM | 64QAM |
| EIRP (dBW) | 27.2 | 31.4 | 32 | 30.2 | 28.4 |
| Height to underside of antennas: 8.5 metres & 10.5 metres |
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 12.5 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 to the surrounding area. While the diameter of the antenna shroud on the replacement pole will be slightly larger than that of the 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 (matt Light Grey: RAL7035) which is considered to be the preferred finish to minimise contrast between the proposed pole and surrounding area.
| Type of Structure: | |
| Description: The proposal involves the removal of the existing 12.5m high telecommunications monopole and installation of a replacement 12.5m high telecommunications monopole accommodating 6No antennas within a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) shroud at the existing telecommunications site, Nobles Hospital, Strang, Isle of Man, IM4 4RJ (NGR: 236532E, 478340N). There is no change to the existing equipment cabin proposed as part of this upgrade. | |
| Overall Pole Height: 12.5 Metres | |
| Materials: | |
| Tower/mast etc – type of material and external colour: | Galvanised steel construction painted Light Grey (RAL7035). |
| International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection Declaration attached (see below)* | Yes | No |
| 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 to 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. |
Reason(s) why site required e.g. coverage, upgrade, capacity:
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 redevelopment of an existing site to facilitate an upgrade or sharing with another operator)
If no alternative site options have been investigated, please explain why: We can confirm that 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
Isle 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 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 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.
| Site Type | Site Name & Address | NGR | Reason for not choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
While we accept that the replacement installation will still be visible from certain viewpoints in the surrounding area, it is considered that the sensitive design along with the importance of providing 4G mobile communications coverage 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.
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.
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 ICNIRP 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 proposed installation.
| 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: | 30 September 2014 |
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