Roof dish antenna replacement at Staner Court, Manston Road, Ramsgate

“The application as initially submitted proposed the replacement of two 1.8m diameter dish antennas on the roof of Staner Court, however following correspondence with the applicant's agent the application has been amended to the replacement of one 1.8m dish antenna.”

“The new dish antenna would replace an existing dish antenna of a similar size in the same location. An equipment box that is currently located on the roof would also be relocated on the roof as part of these works.”

“Staner Court is a substantial and irregularly shaped 1960's tower block, currently in use as residential accommodation. It sits on the outskirts of Ramsgate and the edge of the Newington estate. The block is in close proximity to much smaller residential properties in all areas surrounding it, a school, a number of community facilities and commercial spaces, along with a supermarket.”

“The site can be considered a landmark building, being the only tower block of this kind in the immediate vicinity. It primarily fronts Manston Road but has visual connections with Princess Margaret Avenue to the east. Given its scale and elevated land levels to the south and west, long views of it are possible on entering Thanet from Haine Road.”

“F/TH/24/0007 - Installation of external wall insulation, erection of roof screen, alterations to windows , doors and existing balconies, together with external and internal alterations. Granted 18 March 2024”

“F/TH/01/0869 - Alterations to external elevation comprising installation of overcladding system and renewal of existing balcony balustrading. Granted 27/11/2001.”

“The proposed dish antenna would have a very similar appearance to the existing dish antenna and would be located on the existing supporting structure. The equipment cabinet would be moved closer to the edge of the roof, however would be set behind the antennas and in from the edge of the building.”

“The proposed antenna and relocated equipment box would be sited on the roof of an existing building and in similar locations to existing structures. Given this location and the existing equipment this proposal is not considered to result in any significant harm to biodiversity in the area.”

“The response is limited to information provided in the current application, and the replacement of two 1.8m dish antennas. Following a review of the information provided in the planning application, HSE is content with the fire safety design as set out in the project description, to the extent it affects land use planning considerations.”

“TDC Environmental Health - The applicant has submitted a Declaration that this proposal meets the ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) guidelines for public exposure limits; as such there would be no health grounds for refusing the application. Determining what measures are necessary for protecting public health rests with the Government.”

“Councillor Matterface proposed and Councillor Makinson seconded that the officer recommendation to defer and delegate be approved, subject to the following conditions:”

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.”

“When put to the vote the motion was CARRIED.”

“Councillors Albon, Keen and Bright were not able to vote on this item due to a declaration of interest on the item, as they are Cabinet Members.”