An Bord Pleanala uphold decision to refuse permission for phone mast in Ravensdale An Bord Pleanála has upheld a decision of Louth County Council to refuse permission for a telecommunications mast in Ravensdale. Towercom Limited had applied to erect a new 24 metre lattice support structure (overall height 25.5m) carrying telecommunications equipment including antennas, dishes, and associated equipment together with new ground level equipment cabinets and fencing, at Eir Exchange, Dundalk Road, Drumnasillagh. Louth County Council had refused permission for the development on grounds that the applicant, Towercom Ltd, had not shown that this location was the only feasible site or that the mast was needed given the adequate coverage that already existed in North Louth. A total of 15 third party observations were received by the Planning Authority, mainly from residents in the surrounding area. The main issues raised against the erection of a mast were as follows: Existing telecommunications coverage in the area is already adequate and there is no need for network improvements. -Lack of alternative sites have been considered by the applicant. -Appropriate Assessment concerns. -The proposed new structure(s) are far greater in size and scale than the existing development. -Visual impact on the surrounding area, which is of high scenic quality. -Residential amenity impacts, including overshadowing and overbearance. -Wind noise created by the new structure. -Drainage and flooding. -Health due to emissions. -Devaluation of property. -It is unlikely greater demand will be forthcoming for improved coverage as the area is zoned rural and new development would be limited. -Issues with Towercom acting as the agent for Eir. -Lack of screening and landscaping proposed. Towercom argued that the the proposed development would improve the current level of coverage for the area and that it would allow the site to be used by other telecommunications and broadband providers, as required by planning policy. Ian Boyle, Senior Planning Inspector for An Bord Pleanala took all of the above into account and recommended that the planning application be refused. “It is considered that the proposed development would be contrary to the stated policy in respect of the orderly development of telecommunications throughout the County and the requirement to co-locate antennae support structures and sites where feasible. “The proposed development would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

An Bord Pleanála has upheld a decision of Louth County Council to refuse permission for a telecommunications mast in Ravensdale.

Towercom Limited had applied to erect a new 24 metre lattice support structure (overall height 25.5m) carrying telecommunications equipment including antennas, dishes, and associated equipment together with new ground level equipment cabinets and fencing, at Eir Exchange, Dundalk Road, Drumnasillagh.

Louth County Council had refused permission for the development on grounds that the applicant, Towercom Ltd, had not shown that this location was the only feasible site or that the mast was needed given the adequate coverage that already existed in North Louth.

A total of 15 third party observations were received by the Planning Authority, mainly from residents in the surrounding area.

The main issues raised against the erection of a mast were as follows:
Existing telecommunications coverage in the area is already adequate and there is no need for network improvements.
-Lack of alternative sites have been considered by the applicant.
-Appropriate Assessment concerns.
-The proposed new structure(s) are far greater in size and scale than the existing development.
-Visual impact on the surrounding area, which is of high scenic quality.
-Residential amenity impacts, including overshadowing and overbearance.
-Wind noise created by the new structure. -Drainage and flooding.
-Health due to emissions.
-Devaluation of property.
-It is unlikely greater demand will be forthcoming for improved coverage as the area is zoned rural and new development would be limited.
-Issues with Towercom acting as the agent for Eir.
-Lack of screening and landscaping proposed.

Towercom argued that the the proposed development would improve the current level of coverage for the area and that it would allow the site to be used by other telecommunications and broadband providers, as required by planning policy.

Ian Boyle, Senior Planning Inspector for An Bord Pleanala took all of the above into account and recommended that the planning application be refused.

“It is considered that the proposed development would be contrary to the stated policy in respect of the orderly development of telecommunications throughout the County and the requirement to co-locate antennae support structures and sites where feasible.
“The proposed development would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

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