Open planning meeting for contentious TV mast

Tuesday 12 January 2021

The DPA will be holding a public planning meeting tomorrow, after an application for a communications tower to be built on Mount Durand received 46 letters of objection from the public.

It is intended to replace the mast in Hauteville, which provides Freeview access for over 2,000 households.

The lease for the current location expires in June, and there is no option to renew, hence the need to find an alternative.

Research undertaken by the applicants determined that a private car park, between 32 and 36, Mount Durand, was the best option, both in terms of operational requirements and environmental impact. Due to its elevation, they say the replacement mast will be less visible.

The DPA appears to agree with this assessment, as its recommendation is to approve the plans. However, 46 representations were made to the Authority in objection to the proposals, all of whom will be able to voice their objections during the open planning meeting.

Pictured: the car park in Mount Durand where a replacement TV mast could be constructed.

Concerns include the visual impact of the mast, and the effect it will have on the character of protected buildings in the area.

There were also fears regarding the potential for noise pollution and public health risks caused by transmissions to and from the antenna, however, a declaration of conformity to relevant public exposure health guidelines was included with the initial application.

The Open Planning Meeting will take place on Wednesday 13 January in the Cambridge/Delancey Rooms of Beau Sejour at 09:30. Members of the public are invited to attend, but only those who have already made a representation regarding the application, and who have notified the Planning Service of their intention to speak, will be able to speak. 

Pictured: the TV Mast in Hauteville, which could potentially be replaced by a shorter mast across the valley, on Mount Durand.