Description
A telecommunications installation comprising a 35 metre high lattice tower to support a headframe with six sector antennae and three 0.6 metre diameter radio dishes, two BTS class 3 equipment cabins, a meter cabinet, a 2.2 metre high security fence with access gates, works and extension to existing access track and associated works. (As clarified by agent's letter dated 21 July 1995 and accompanying plans and by agent's letter dated 10 August 1995).
Conditions / Refusal Reasons
That the development would be contrary to the General and Countryside
policies of the Council's adopted Rural Areas Local Plan, particularly
policies G1, C1 and C7, and approved South Oxfordshire Local Plan,
particularly policies G1, G15, C1 and C2, which seek to protect the
countryside from inappropriate development and to conserve and enhance the
natural beauty and special landscape character of the Areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty. In addition, although PPG8 'Telecommunications' advises
that the growth of existing and new telecommunication systems should be
facilitated, it also recognises that the countryside, particularly areas of
high landscape quality, should be protected. The proposed 35m high mast and
associated antennae would occupy a prominent location in the Chilterns Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty, visible from a number of public footpaths
and bridleways, and would constitute an incongruous and intrusive form of
development detrimental to the special landscape character and quality of
this part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whilst the
proposal may result in improved coverage, particularly in Purley-on-Thames
and Tilehurst, it is considered that insufficient consideration has been
given to alternative methods of providing such coverage and that such
benefits would not outweigh the harm to this part of the Chilterns Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty which would be caused by the proposal.
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