30-metre telecommunications tower at Land North Of Leylands Road, Burgess Hill

What was proposed

The application proposed a 30-metre lattice telecommunications tower with antennas, cabinets, a green fenced compound, an electrical cabinet and associated works.

“Proposal: The installation of 1 No. 30 metre high lattice tower mounted with 6 No. antennas, 12 No. cabinets, within a compound comprised of 2.4 metre high palisade fencing painted green, 1 No. electrical metre cabinet and associated development thereto. (amended plans received 25.04.2025, amended photo montage received 01.05.2025, amended description 06.05.2025 and amended Ecology information 19.06.2025)”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is open local green space within Burgess Hill, with trees, hedgerows, grassland, railway land to the east and homes about 60 to 80 metres away.

“Relevant Planning History 8.1 None relevant. Site and Surroundings 9.1 The application site consists of an open area of local green space which includes a significant number of trees and hedgerows and open grass areas. The maximum height of the trees within the surrounding area is some 22 metres. The proposal would be sited on an area of grassland to the east of an existing footpath.”

“The application site is situated within the built-up area of Burgess Hill, and it is designated as a local green space by the Burgess Hill Neighbourhood Plan. To the east of the site is Network Rail land and the existing railway line. The local green space would be located to the north, south and west of the site. There are significant trees to the north, south and west of the proposal.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the telecommunications benefits, siting, appearance and protection of the green space were considered acceptable.

“It is considered that there are clear benefits from the proposal in relation to improved telecommunications infrastructure within the district. These are matters that weigh in favour of the application when considering the siting and design of the proposal. It is noted that the proposal will have an impact on the character of the area, however it is considered that due to its location it would address the character…”

“It is further considered that the site's selection and equipment specification have been sufficiently justified through the application documentation. Taking into account the above assessment, the proposal is considered to comply with policies DP23 and DP26 of the Mid Sussex District Plan, policies G1 and G4 of the Burgess Hill Neighbourhood Plan and the relevant provisions of the National Planning Poilicy Framework (NPPF).”

Officer report

What people said

Sixty-six objections raised concerns including visual impact, green space, wildlife, health, residential effects, need, alternatives, access and construction impacts.

“- Proposal is visible, incongruous and industrial development, - Proposal would be an eyesore, - The site is designated as Local Green Space by Policy G2 of the Burgess Hill Neighbourhood Plan, - The proposal would result in the loss of trees, - The proposal would result in the loss of and harm to existing wildlife, including insects, birds, mammals, bats and other protected species, - Proposal will impact surrounding properties value, - Proposal will have an overbearing…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The town council planning committee chair and two other speakers spoke against the application, while another speaker spoke in favour.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed site access, the footprint, alternative sites, telecommunications need, future technology and possible public-health implications.

“Members requested clarification on access to the site as well as its overall footprint. The Planning Officer clarified using the presentation slides.”

“Members discussed the need for telecommunications infrastructure alongside the need to be cognisant of future discoveries or developments related to technological infrastructure and its ramifications for public health.”

Minutes

The vote

Members approved the recommendation with seven votes in favour and three abstentions.

“As there were no further questions, the Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations as contained within the report. These were proposed by Councillor…”

“Sweatman and seconded by Councillor Kenny. They were approved with 7 in favour and 3 abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision

Prior approval was granted, allowing the development to proceed in accordance with the submitted details and the conditions.

“Members agreed that Prior Approval is Granted and can therefore proceed in accordance with the submitted details and the conditions outlined at Appendix A.”

Minutes

Conditions on the approval

The conditions cover the temporary access track, construction management, tree protection, landscaping and ecological and biodiversity measures.

“No development shall take place unless and until details of the layout and specification of the proposed temporary access track are submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. The temporary access track shall be constructed in accordance with the approved details prior to the construction of the proposed mast.”

Officer report