[UK-CONTEST] Planning Permission

[ADRIAN REES]

Hi all
I know this subject has been covered in previous threads, but I require some specific information that some of you who have travelled the rocky planning permission road may have run up against.
 
Some background information:
I now live in a remote area of North Wales, with about 5 acres of land for aerial farming. The location is 1,200 Feet ASL at the Eastern end of the Llangollen Valley. I have a total of 4 neighbours within a half mile radius, all of whom have expressed no objections to my planning application for 4 masts (3 Telescopic and one fixed), and have all signed a "no objection" form, as per the RSGB's Planning Guide. In fact the local farmer (and nearest neighbour) has offered to help in there assembly, and loan of 12KVa Diesel Generator for Field Day contests.
 
I received a phone call this morning from the Planning Officer, to arrange a site visit. During the conversation he mentioned that Visual Impact will be an important factor in the decision making. Visual Impact, not from the "local" neighbours, but from people living about 2 - 5 Miles away in the Valley and surrounding areas. His concern was that when they look up the hill (to my QTH) they may not be too happy with the site of four masts sticking up.
 
Although there are 3 Towers (1 Cell phone F&L Type Tower ~ four legs and about 15 Foot in Cross section, and the two 250 Feet North Wales Police Towers) already visible on the hill Ridge Line. 
 
In addition, he has apparently contacted the local Ramblers Assoc for there opinion, as there is a public footpath running across my land. (Up until now I have never seen anyone using the footpath...). The actual masts are to be located in such away, that if they should fall they cannot fall upon the footpath, which will be fenced off.
 
Any comments anyone ?
 
BR + 73
 
Adrian Rees MW1LCR