Core Refusal Reason
The Inspector recommends granting permission, concluding that the visual impact on the nearby protected structure and Architectural Conservation Area is acceptable, and that the proposal is a necessary upgrade to established telecommunications infrastructure that aligns with national policy.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The 24-metre lattice tower is an acceptable replacement and upgrade of an existing 12-metre monopole, facilitating essential co-location and improving 3G/4G coverage in the Gaggin area.
- The visual impact on 'The Farm' (a protected structure) and the Castlebernard Estate Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is within acceptable limits, as only 6-9 metres of the structure will be visible above the mature treeline.
- The proposal does not represent an excessively prominent or obtrusive feature when viewed from the N71 road due to existing topography and roadside screening, thus not materially contravening the landscape objectives of the Development Plan.
Cited Policies (CDP)
HE 4-1HE 4-4HE 4-5GI 6-1ED 7-1ED 7-2
Decision Document Summary
This report pertains to a first-party appeal by Ontower Ireland Limited against Cork County Council's decision to refuse permission for a telecommunications support structure at Curravaranane, Bandon. The proposal involved replacing a 12-metre monopole with a lattice tower, which was reduced from 30 metres to 24 metres during the further information stage. The site is situated on an elevated position near the village of Gaggin and is adjacent to the Castlebernard Estate Architectural Conservatio...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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