A telecoms firm has been told its proposed new phone mast in Huntingdon will appear “unduly prominent and visual intrusive”.
CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd asked Huntingdonshire District Council if prior approval was needed for the new installation at Buttsgrove Way, Huntingdon.
You bet there is, the council told them.
The firm proposes a 16.0m Phase 8 Monopole C/W wraparound cabinet at base and associated ancillary works.
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But the council says “prior approval is required and refused by virtue of its height, form, and location, with no screening from trees and landscaping, as it will appear unduly prominent and visually intrusive to its setting.
“The mast will appear visually dominant and overbearing in the street and will be materially out of scale with the character of this part of the street scene due to the lack of any other vertical distractors.
Clara Kerr, chief planning officer, says: “A clear reason for refusal identifies the specific reasons why the development is unacceptable and helps the applicant to determine whether and how the proposal can be revised to make it acceptable.”
A recent Planning Inspectorate in another part of the country backed a council’s refusal.
The inspector ruled that “I do not consider that the public benefits of the installation in terms of the enhancement of the telecommunications network, its contribution to economic growth and the operational and locational needs of the operators outweigh the significant harm that I have identified to the character and appearance of the area”.
Huntingdon Town Council also objected to the mast.
The council refuted the claim that the mast “will not impede pedestrian flow or the safety of passing motorists”.
The council statement to district planners said: “However it is likely that it will.
“Pedestrians walk along this grass verge when they enter Coneygear Park and accessing the Coneygear Centre which is directly behind the proposed site but not featured in the photos.
“Turning into and out of the Coneygear Centre car park will be made very dangerous as oncoming traffic will not be easily seen.
“There is also a pedestrian crossing immediately next to the proposed site.
“Members strongly disagree with this site as they felt it would make the crossing the road and driving down the road dangerous.
“It is suggested in this document that there are tall mature trees that will screen the mast you and it is distanced from views from residential properties.
“There are no tall mature trees immediately close to the proposed location and you will still be able to see it from residential properties.
“Members would welcome other suggested locations that do not impede the view of traffic and pedestrians.”-
