5G telecommunications equipment at 40 Green Lanes Shopping Centre, Barnstaple

“The site is a large shopping centre situated in Barnstaple town centre and comprises a ground floor internal shopping area in the main and an integral carpark on upper levels. The site has pedestrian entrances from Boutport Street , the High Street and Bull Court with parking access from Bull Court and deliveries made from Boutport Street to the northwest of the site.”

“From nearby areas the proposed equipment would be more visual particularly when viewed from Rolle Street when entering Barnstable from the north west however the additional equipment would be viewed as part of the general clutter of CCTV cameras, street lighting and signs in the foreground when entering the town centre.”

“On balance, it is considered that the proposal will cause a degree of harm to the Barnstaple Town Centre Conservation Area however the proposal provides a public benefit and as such is considered compliant with the above NDTLP policies, the statutory duties referred to above and the NPPF, which is considered to out-weigh the harm.”

“Heritage & Conservation Officer Reply Received: 20/01/2026 The new equipment and antennae are much larger than the existing, and will be visible from various points within and outside the Conservation Area. Owing to their nature their presence will not preserve or enhance the character or appearance, and instead they are likely to give rise to a degree of harm.”

“Environmental Health Manager Reply Received: 12/02/2026 I have reviewed this application in relation to Environmental Health matters.”

“The site is within Flood Zone 1. The equipment proposed is to be sited on an existing building and there would be no risk of additional surface flooding or surface water run-off at site, as a result of this development. Flood risk and drainage is therefore not considered to be a constraint.”

“The development would not harm the functioning of the local highway network, or reduce the ability to park within Barnstaple Town Centre. The siting of the equipment has no impact on the function of traffic within the site and as such Highways and parking are not a constraint to development.”

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans/details: 200E Proposed Roof Plan received on the 04/12/25 UKVD002391-00-004-ML0022 Location Plan received on the 04/12/25 202E Proposed North West Elevation received on the 09/12/25 UKDV002391-00-003-MD0033.A Proposed South-West Elevation received on the 26/02/26 ('the approved plans').”

“As soon as the telecoms equipment hereby approved is no longer required for its intended purpose, it shall be removed from the building.”

“The Committee considered a report by the Planning Officer (BC) (circulated previously) regarding planning application 81152.”

“RESOLVED (unanimous) that the application be APPROVED as recommended by the Planning Officer (BC).”

“The development would be broadly consistent with the aims of the National Planning Policy Framework and the adopted development plan when considered as a whole, along with the duty detailed above. Approval of the application is therefore recommended subject to the imposition of planning conditions.”

“The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the date on which this permission is granted.”