National Grid Wireless Planning Statement

Conclusions

In summary, the application is in respect of electronic communications apparatus necessary to form an integral part of a public infrastructure network that the operator is required to provide in accordance with a licence. In particular the apparatus proposed is required to enable a new mobile phone operator to offer their services to residents and businesses of the island, in general, and, with this application, to Foxdale in particular. The service provided by the operator is therefore in the public interest and will be in very high demand.

The public interest of the system is clear from the considerable benefits associated. These include:

• Mobile phones can save lives by enabling immediate contact with the emergency services.
• Mobile phones can be used to summons assistance from the breakdown services in the secure environment of a locked car. This is particularly important to the vulnerable.
• Mobile phones can help facilitate modern forms of working, including greater home working. This can bring about an improved balance between home and working life and reduce travel.
• Mobile phones can help minimise unnecessary journeys, so increasing productivity and reducing travel demands.
• Mobile phones can help extend business opportunities into peripheral areas.
• Mobile phones can bring about far greater personal convenience and security.

The operator’s requirement is in the context of network needs associated with a cellular system. These impose particular location and sitting requirements. The technical justification included within this supporting statement clearly demonstrates the need for this apparatus proposed within the context of the operator’s developing network.

The operator has followed planning policy and best practice guidance in the sitting and design of its apparatus. This has included:

• Network planning based upon existing sites, including those controlled by Radio Site Management companies like National Grid Wireless.
• Sitting at an existing telecommunications site to minimise new sites and help avoid the unnecessary proliferation of new radio masts and sites for them.

• Consultation in accordance with Best Practice procedures.
• An examination of design options to try and minimise potential visual impact.

The proposed antennas will comply with all relevant health and safety requirements and will be compliant with the ICNIRP guidelines. There are no exceptional circumstances in this case and therefore any need to consider health effects and related concerns such as the perception of risk further.

This statement has demonstrated that the proposal is in accordance with the Strategic Plan and relevant planning policy. In particular it is a form of development that is specifically encouraged as a matter of principle and in its detail complies with the policy objective of minimising potential environmental impact.

In conclusion, the application merits support and there are no material considerations that indicate otherwise.

If for any reason you wish to meet to discuss the merits of the application or need assistance with any visits of the site and surrounding area, please let us know.

We trust everything is in order, but if you do require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our planning manager Stephen N Butler on 0161 927 4203.

Yours sincerely

NATIONAL GRID WIRELESS Stephen N Butler Asset Surveyor 0161 927 4203 National Grid Wireless