22.5-metre communications mast at Land Adj. To Rocky Lane, Haywards Heath

What was proposed

The application proposed a 22.5-metre lattice mast with antennas, cabinets, a fenced compound, a new Rocky Lane access and related works.

“Proposal: The installation of a 22.5 metre lattice mast, mounted with 9No. antennas, 12No. cabinets, 1No. Electrical meter cabinet located within a compound comprised of 2.4 metre high chain-link fence topped with 3 strands of barbed wire and the creation of a new access from Rocky Lane and ancillary development thereto. (Additional Highways information received 08.07.2025 and additional ecology information received 10.11.2025)”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is an open grassed field beside the railway, surrounded by trees, with nearby homes and Ancient Woodland across Rocky Lane.

“Planning permission is sought for the installation of a 22.5 metre lattice mast, mounted with 9No. antennas, 12No. cabinets, 1No. Electrical meter cabinet located within a compound comprised of 2.4 metre high chain-link fence topped with 3 strands of barbed wire and the creation of a new access from Rocky Lane and ancillary development thereto at land adjacent to Rocky Lane, Haywards Heath. Relevant Planning History 8.1 There is no relevant planning history.”

“The application site is situated within the countryside to the south and west of the built-up area of Haywards Heath. To the east of the site is the existing railway line and a woodland. There are significant trees to the north, south, east and west of the proposal. Ancient Woodland is located to the west of the proposed access which is the other side of Rocky Lane from the proposed access.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission because the network benefits and site justification outweighed the effects, which they considered acceptable for landscape, residents, access, trees and ecology.

“The proposal represents the expansion of the electronic communications network and it provides clear benefits in relation to improved telecommunications infrastructure within the district. It is further considered that the site's selection and equipment specification have been sufficiently justified through the application documentation. The proposal is supported by policy DP23 of the Mid Sussex District Plan and paragraphs 122 and 123 of the NPPF.”

“Taking into account the design, location and scale of the development it is considered that the proposal would maintain the quality of the rural and landscape character of the countryside in this location and it would not cause significant harm to the amenities of existing residents, including taking account of the impact on outlook, daylight and sunlight, and noise, air and light pollution.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer introduced the proposal and explained that existing equipment could not provide adequate railway coverage, according to the applicant.

The committee vote

Members approved the recommendation with five votes in favour, one against and four abstentions.

“The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations contained in the report. These were approved with 5 in favour, 1 against and 4 abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was approved subject to the conditions in Appendix A.

“Planning permission was approved subject to the conditions outlined at Appendix A.”

Minutes