25m telecommunications mast at Carrowbreck Close, Hellesdon

“Applicant’s Name: Cornerstone Telecommunications Site Address Land north of Carrowbreck House Carrowbreck Close Hellesdon Norfolk Proposal The installation of a new 25m lattice mast, hosting 6no. antennas and 2no. dish antennas, with 3no. equipment cabinets and 1no meter cabinet all within a fenced compound. All other associated ancillary apparatus and permitted development thereto.”

“The site is a grassed area that sits adjacent to Carrowbreck House, a Broadland District Council owned building that is used as a training and skills venue. Access is via Carrowbreck Road and the car park serving Carrowbreck House.”

“There are a number of trees in close proximity to the site to the north, east and west with Carrowbreck House to the south.”

“This telecommunication application seeks prior approval for the installation of a new 25m lattice mast, hosting 6no. antennas and 2no. dish antennas, with 3no. equipment cabinets and 1no meter cabinet all within a fenced compound. All other associated ancillary apparatus and permitted development thereto.”

“The proposed development is to replace and improve the coverage that is due to be lost as a result of a notice to quit on the existing mast located near Drayton High Road and Hospital Lane.”

“As the site is at the top of the river valley sides with land sloping down to the river valley this increases the prominence and visibility of the mast. The tree cover to the south, west and north-west is thinner and the plans suggest the trees to be approximately 13metres in height. This means that the mast would be 12metres above the tree line in views from the river valley, making it very prominent.”

“Due to the siting and appearance of the proposal it will result in significant harm to the character and appearance of the River Wensum River Valley Landscape Character Area as well as the general character and appearance of the wider area. The proposal would be overbearing on those nearby neighbours given the size and scale of the mast. It has not been demonstrated that the trees would not be harmed as a result of the development.”

“Twenty-eight letters of objection received raising the following concerns (summarised):”

“Award winning Passivhaus scheme carefully integrated into its natural woodland setting and designed with environmental responsibility at its core. • Mast is too large and out of character • Devalue the character of the development • Impact on ecology and wildlife • Overbearing – too close to houses and workspaces • Devalue properties • Impact on health • Alternative sites not fully explored/ considered • Lack of community consultation • Highways safety concerns from…”

“In terms of the siting and appearance, the proposed mast would tower above nearby buildings being over twice their height. Given the position of the mast, it would be clearly visible when viewed from all directions and would appear dominating within the landscape.”

“Due to the size and bulk of the mast and the proximity to Carrowbreck House and the residential properties, it is considered to have an overbearing impact on these properties. It is not considered that the visual impact of the development on the surrounding area ins minimized and the application is therefore considered to be in conflict with A.2(1) (b and c) of Part 16 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015, as…”

“Decision : Members voted 9-1 for refusal for the following reasons:”