22.5m telecommunications mast at Corpus Christi Church Langbank Avenue, Coventry

What was proposed

A 22.5-metre lattice telecommunications mast, antennas, dishes, seven cabinets and associated development were proposed.

“SUMMARY The application is for determination as to whether the prior approval of the Local Planning Authority is required to the siting and appearance of the development for the installation of a 22.5-metre-high lattice mast, seven equipment cabinets and ancillary development. The application is submitted under the requirements of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) - Schedule 2, Part 16, Class A.”

Officer report

The site

The proposal would occupy informal grassed amenity space between Langbank Avenue and the railway embankment, near homes, a church and schools.

“The proposal is acceptable in principle. • The proposal will not adversely impact upon highway safety. • The proposal will have a minor impact upon the visual amenity of the area; however, the social and economic benefits outweigh any visual harm. • The proposal falls within the criteria of Schedule 2, Part 16, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) (GPDO) and accords with the NPPF.”

“Tarquin Close beyond. There is residential development on the northern side of Landbank Avenue facing the amenity space. To the west lies the Corpus Christi church and school campus.”

Officer report

Why officers found it acceptable

Officers considered the separation distances, tree screening, colours, landscaping and mast sharing sufficient to make the siting and appearance acceptable.

“NPPF para. 121 states that local planning authorities should not insist on minimum distances between new electronic communications development and existing development. The mast is set within informal grassed amenity space and will be set well back some 60m from Langbank Avenue and over 75m from the closest residential properties. The mast is located over 65m from the closest church buildings, 160m from the church and 220m from the closest school buildings.”

“The siting and appearance of the proposed mast, cabinets and ancillary development are therefore considered acceptable.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Protection and NATS raised no objections, while comments from Coventry Airport and CAA Airspace Regulation had not arrived when the report was written.

“No Objections received from: • Environmental Protection • National Air Traffic Services (NATS) At the time of writing the report comments have not been received from: • Coventry Airport • CAA Airspace Regulation Neighbour consultation Immediate neighbours and local councillors have been notified; a site notice was posted on 04/04/25.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Fourteen objections raised concerns about health, proximity to homes and schools, wildlife, cabinet noise, mast sharing and visual impact.

“Fourteen letters of objection have been received, raising the following material planning considerations: a) Harm to health / ICNIRP compliance b) Too close to schools / homes c) Impact upon wildlife / environment d) Noise from cabinets e) Better mast / cell sharing needed to limit new masts f) Visual impact, too big, clutter…”

“Non-material comments have been raised regarding public liability / insurance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two registered speakers submitted objections, and the agent attended and spoke in support of the application.

The committee decision

The committee granted prior approval subject to conditions, with no outstanding issues recorded.

“RESOLVED that prior approval be granted in respect of Application PL/2025/0000689/PAEC subject to conditions.”

Minutes