Inverleith Row Telecoms Mast
Posted on: July 12, 2024
Proposed telecommunications installation in a conservation area should be located in an inconspicuous location
Proposed telecommunications installation in a conservation area should be located in an inconspicuous location
Cockburn Response
Proposals for prominent telecommunications installations in conservation areas continue to come forward and generally result in significant local concern regarding their siting and their potential negative impact on the character and amenity of individual conservation areas.
Local planning authorities are under a duty to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas . Policies need to be developed which clearly identify what it is about the character or appearance of the area which should be preserved or enhanced and the means of achieving that objective.
Given the frequency with which telecommunications installations are proliferating across the city. The need to clarify if, when and how such installations can be sited within a conservation areas is urgent.
It is our view that such proposals should not add to street clutter on busy pedestrian thoroughfares or in vicinity of busy road junctions. Applications in conservation areas should certainly be refused if it is determined that the benefits of the proposed installation are deemed not to outweigh the harm caused to the unique character of the conservation area and if there is insufficient evidence that alternative sites or mast sharing opportunities have been adequately explored.
We understand the essential requirement for modern telecommunications infrastructure in our city and its importance to residents, visitors and businesses. However, we believe that, in consultation with local stakeholders, any proposed telecommunications installation in a conservation area should be located in an inconspicuous location, dis-aggregated into smaller, less conspicuous arrays or co-located on an existing installation if this is achievable.
