[UK-CONTEST] Planning Issue

[Adrian Rees]

Hi
I have applied for planning permission for the installation of 3 x 20 m
Telescopic masts and one fixed 25 m mast at my QTH.

I live close to the top of a hill, 1,200 feet ASL. I have 4 neighbours
within a half mile radius.

Whilst the neighbours have raised no objections (they won't see them
anyway) the local Council Planning Officer has sent a letter, received
today, stating that he wouldn't support the application. I quote:

"The application lies in open countryside and within a Special Landscape
Area. In my opinion the proposal will have a material and detrimental
impact upon the landscape from both near and distant views, conflicting
with the objectives of Unitary Development Plan PoliciesPS2 and EC5. I
recognise that the telescopic masts could be retracted when not in use,
but it would be extremely difficult to monitor and enforce this if
permission were granted. In any case the proposed 25 metre high
structure would not be retracted when not in use. I am therefore not
prepared to support your application."

"Should you wish to respond to the above, I would be grateful if you
could do so within 14 days of the date of this letter." 

First of all I have contacted the planning officer concerned, and using
the cap in hand approach, asked what he could suggest I do to make the
application acceptable. He had no suggestions. 

I suggested that I change the application to 4 telescopic masts, (no
fixed mast), painting them in camouflage etc. None of this produced any
form of response.

(To be honest, he seems a bit of a young "smart arse" type ).

The RSGB Planning Comm. is involved, through its Chairman, and he has
been extremely helpful, and has suggested a number of things:

1. Given that the neighbours don't object, try to prove that the masts
cannot easily be seen from a distance, or if by repositioning the masts
making them impossible to see from a distance. (No VHF NFD for me, but
Camera and mast and maps for Photo shoot !).

2. Show him photographs of retracted and extended masts, both at close
quarters (say 25 - 50 feet away) and at a distance (1 - 5 miles).

3. Research  Special Landscape Area, as it is NOT a conservation area,
and I am  wondering exactly what it means.

4. The planning officer says "Open Countryside". This isn't quite true.
There are a number of large trees, and hedges that would hide the masts.
What does material and detrimental impact mean ?

5. As well as the Trees and hedges, 500 m behind, and on top of the
hill, is a 30 m PMR / Mobile phone tower,  some 3 km east on the same
hill top are two 300 Foot North Wales Police towers, with a further
BBC/ITV 300 foot tower. These are clearly visible at distance. Whilst I
am aware that the planning officer may be getting the two structures (my
masts and the PMR / BBC / North Wales Police towers) confused, I can't
see how the addition of what will effectively be in comparison, pencil
thin masts will create any further detriment.

6. What does the term "difficult to monitor" mean ? That he / she can't
see them ? Is it my responsibility to make it easy for them to monitor ?

So, if you have any comments, constructive or not, please let me know.
If you have any photographs of your towers, from any angle, at any
distance, and are willing to share them, please email them to me. (They
will be used in confidence ~ no names no pack drill etc).

The letter is dated 26 June, so I have until Monday 10 July. 

Many thanks

Adrian Rees 
MW1LCR