Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommended the removal of Condition No. 2, concluding that the proposed 24-metre height is technically justified for network coverage and co-location, and would not significantly detract from the visual amenity of the area compared to the 21-metre limit imposed by the Planning Authority.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 24-metre height is technically necessary to provide adequate coverage for multiple co-locating operators while maintaining required horizontal separation between antennae.
- The visual impact of the structure is considered acceptable and consistent with the existing character of the site, which already features several 18-metre high floodlight masts.
- A height reduction to 21 metres would significantly impact network capacity and likely lead to a demand for additional standalone structures in the area, which would be contrary to mast-sharing guidelines.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Objective GI 6-2 (High Value Landscape)Objective GI 8-1 (Prominent and Strategic Metropolitan Greenbelt)Objectives RCI 5-1 to RCI 5-7 (Greenbelt protection)Section 9.7 (Telecommunications Infrastructure)Objective ED 7-1 (Telecommunications Infrastructure)Objective ED 7-2 (Information and Communication Technology)
Decision Document Summary
The application concerns the construction of a 24-metre monopole telecommunications structure at St. Marys AFC in White Cross, Cork. The site is situated within a 'High Value Landscape' and 'Strategic Metropolitan Greenbelt' as per the Cork County Development Plan 2014. While Cork City Council granted permission, they imposed Condition No. 2, reducing the height to 21 metres to protect visual amenity. The applicant's first-party appeal argued that this reduction would necessitate a complete rede...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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