Core Planning Reasoning
The Inspector recommends a grant of permission because the proposed 24m lattice mast is a necessary upgrade to existing telecommunications infrastructure to provide essential 4G and 5G services, and despite its location within a Greenbelt and Area of High Landscape Value, its visual impact is mitigated by topography and it does not significantly injure residential amenity.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposal constitutes a replacement and upgrade of existing telecommunications equipment that is no longer structurally capable of providing the height necessary for modern 4G and 5G service requirements.
- The lattice design, while more visually prominent than a monopole, is acceptable in this agricultural setting as it facilitates co-location of multiple operators, thereby reducing the need for additional future structures in the locality.
- The development is consistent with National Planning Framework objectives and the Cork County Development Plan, as the identified visual and residential amenity impacts are not considered sufficiently adverse to warrant refusal.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Section 2.8.2 (County Metropolitan Cork Strategic Planning Area/County Cork MASP)Section 5.5.6 (Planning Principles for a Greenbelt)Objective RP 5-13 (Land Uses within the County Metropolitan Greenbelt)Section 13.18 (Communications and Digital Connectivity)Objective ET 13-28 (Information and Communications Technology)Objective GI 14-9 (Landscape)Objective GI 14-11 (Scenic resources)Objective GI 14-16 (Prominent and Strategic Metropolitan Cork Greenbelt Areas)Section 1.5.20 (Ballincollig Carrigaline Municipal District Local Area Plan)
Decision Document Summary
This report assesses an appeal by third parties (Joe & Ber Doherty) against Cork County Council's decision to grant permission for a 24m high telecommunications lattice mast at Ardmore, Passage West, Co. Cork. The applicant, APW WIP Limited T/A Icon Tower, intends to replace existing roof-mounted equipment on an agricultural shed to provide enhanced 4G and 5G coverage. The site is located in a rural Greenbelt area and an Area of High Landscape Value, near Recorded Monuments including a standing ...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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