Airwave 02 Appeal Dismissed

AIRWAVE 02 APPEAL DISMISSED

An Appeal by Airwave 02 Limited against an enforcement notice issued by Exmoor National Park Authority has been dismissed by a Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The appeal sought to retain a 33.7 metre telecommunications tetra airwave mast and related antennae at Beacon Down quarry near Parracombe, North Devon.

In 2002 planning permission was granted to Ariwave O2 for a monopole mast of 23m in overall height. However, this permission was not implemented because the company estimated that a 23 metre high mast would be too low to meet operational requirements. In 2003 representatives of Airwave 02 informed the National Park Authority that to provide the required service a 29 metre mast would be required. The Authority made it clear that a mast of that height would be unacceptable in this location because it would be too high on the skyline and would detract from the character and appearance of the landscape. However, the Authority appreciated the need to provide good telecommunications cover in this area, particularly as the system is intended for use by the emergency services and offered to look at alternative sites or solutions. Despite this offer, in 2004 Airwave 02 erected a mast with an overall height of 33.7 metres without permission. In response, the National Park Authority served an enforcement notice requiring the removal of the mast.

In his Decision, the Inspector said: “The landscape of Exmoor National Park is of national significance and is afforded the highest protection. The scenery all around [the appeal site] is striking and distinctive.

“The design and size of the unauthorised mast differs markedly from the approved mast. It has an overall height of 33.7 metres and has attached ladders and platforms. It has been painted in graded neutral colours to soften its impact, but its additional height and girth mean that it is bulkier than the approved mast and therefore more conspicuous when seen against the skyline.”

David Wyborn, Head of Planning and Community for Exmoor National Park Authority said: “We are very pleased that the Inspector has dismissed this Appeal and reiterated the national importance of the landscape in this special area. The National Park Authority was supported throughout the Inquiry by the Exmoor Society. Rachel Thomas of the Society gave evidence to the Inspector which helped emphasise the landscape harm that the unauthorised mast causes. The unauthorised mast must now be removed within six months and we will work with Airwave 02 to help them provide the coverage for the emergency services, but in a way which respects the landscape of this stunning part of the National Park.”

Commenting on the Appeal, the Inspector said: “The National Park Authority has demonstrated throughout the inquiry its willingness to co-operate with the appellants to ensure that an alternative site is identified and the necessary permissions obtained. I am satisfied that this decision need not jeopardise the continued operation of the Airwave service until the required planning permissions are obtained.”