1. COMPANY BACKGROUND

Transcription

1 ARQIVA LTD PLANNING STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF AN APPLICATION FOR FULL PLANNING PERMISSION, INCORPORATING A FURTHER STATEMENT ON DESIGN AND ACCESS, FOR DEVELOPMENT AT THE EXISTING ARQIVA TRANSMITTING STATION HYDE FARM (2), MARLOW ROAD (A308), PINKNEYS GREEN, MAIDENHEAD, BERKSHIRE, SL6 6PQ DECEMBER 2014 c/o Needham Haddrell, 8 Hide Market, West Street, Bristol, BS2 0BH SITE REF: HYDE FARM (2),

2 1. COMPANY BACKGROUND As you may be aware from our previous applications for this site, is an international communications company with origins back to the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA). The IBA was responsible for the administration, development and transmission of all commercial television and radio programmes in the UK and it is as a result of these beginnings that now has a large portfolio of masts and towers. fulfils the technical requirements of these public service broadcasting obligations, but because it now operates an electronic communications network in accordance with the Communications Act 2003, it also has an additional and wider remit to provide public telecommunications services. is actively engaged in promoting the sharing of our sites throughout the UK for electronic communications network operators and other similar commercial applications. fully endorses National Planning Policy Framework in its suggestion that existing mast should be utilised where possible to safeguard the amenities and character of an area in preventing mast proliferation in the rural and built environment. 2

3 2. PROJECT BACKGROUND DAB is part of the wider Government regulatory and policy drive towards improved radio broadcasting technologies and greater public choice and access to those services. As part of its licence agreement with the Government, the BBC has agreed to enhance its national DAB coverage to match the existing FM coverage as the switchover from analogue to digital signals draws near. This network expansion is phase four in the national DAB network rollout. The first objective of this enhancement is to expand the national DAB indoor coverage from just over 93% of the UK population to around 97% and involves adding 162 new digital radio transmitters to the existing DAB network. The new transmitters will be mainly located at existing broadcast infrastructure but some new sites will be required where no alternatives are available. The fourth-phase of the roll-out will bring DAB to an extra 2.5m people and improve coverage for millions of others. When completed, around 49 in 50 people in the UK will be covered by the DAB digital radio network; the DAB phase four project is therefore of national significance. In addition to enhancing the DAB UK radio coverage, the current project also proposes to improve programme feeds and service resilience through the deployment of satellite downlink equipment to a number of existing broadcast sites through the provision of a satellite dish antenna. 3

4 3. BENEFITS OF DIGITAL RADIO On December 16 th 2013 Ed Vaizey, UK Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, gave a keynote speech on the future of digital radio. While not giving a specific date for switchover, Mr Vaizey believed that the future of radio is digital and announced measures that will serve to advance the progress of digital radio, including the announcement of a second national multiplex. Digital radio offers fundamental improvements over analogue radio to the great benefit of the listening public and transforms the radio experience to new levels. At its simplest, the sound quality will be greatly improved - whereas analogue radio tends to suffer from additional noise and interference to the signal from a variety of sources, such as power lines, car ignitions and even other radio stations, DAB is designed to ignore these interfering noise signals. In addition to being less prone to traditional interference effects, a single frequency can be used to provide DAB coverage over an entire licence area. This makes re-tuning of receivers in different parts of the licence area unnecessary and ensures that signals from multiple transmitter sites improve the signal strength in areas covered by more than one transmitter. This is of particular benefit to mobile listeners, e.g. for in car radio or public transport passengers on long journeys. At a more sophisticated level, DAB also provides the opportunity to deliver multiple services and programmes using a single frequency making more efficient use of the radio spectrum and providing greater listener choice as well as reception quality. In addition, those services will for the first time be truly interactive, with scope for pausing and rewinding programmes to the listeners convenience. The Public Benefits of DAB DAB therefore delivers clear public benefits, which can be summarised as including: Greater choice - a range of extra digital radio channels not available on FM, including BBC7, BBC 5 Live Extra, TalkSport, Capital Life Digital quality - signals that are less prone to interference and hiss Improved station selection - Tune in to a station by station name or format, not frequency Extra features - Most DAB radios support scrolling radio text, but some have extras like MP3 playback and the ability to pause or rewind live radio 4

5 4. THE PROPOSAL As outlined above, the existing UK radio broadcasting infrastructure will be utilised where possible, however other electronic communications sites are required where no broadcast sites are available, as in this instance. The proposal is therefore to use the existing Hyde Farm (2) Transmitting Station for DAB network expansion consisting of the installation of DAB antennas together with a new satellite dish antenna for active site monitoring and some programme feeds.. In this instance, there is the requirement for two additional antennas at this location for the provision of local DAB radio services. The proposal is to install a VHF DAB radio antenna on the existing mast with the associated transmitters accommodated within a new ground based equipment cabin together with a new ground based satellite dish antenna for active site monitoring and some programme feeds. Prior to the submission of this application, an assessment was made for the purposes of establishing the appropriate level of prior consultation that might be carried out. In approaching this matter, we are aware that the Code of Best Practice on Mobile Network Development in England (2013) advises in Section 1 that other operators are encouraged to follow the principles of the Code wherever applicable. We have therefore adopted a similar approach towards prior consultation and so carried out a Traffic Light Rating to guide our consultation strategy. A specific Traffic Light Rating of this project has been carried out to help assess the appropriate level of consultation and, using this process the proposals have been categorised green. In accordance with best practice, in this instance we only propose to rely on the normal consultations associated with the planning process. 5

6 5. LOCAL AND NATIONAL POLICY FRAMEWORK We have already referred to the Government requirement to expand the digital radio network in the UK and by extension to help achieve a timely switchover from FM to DAB signals, a key objective of improving UK radio services. The additional apparatus proposed has been confined to the minimum that is required to facilitate DAB. The design and appearance of the apparatus is necessarily guided by the technical requirements of DAB and the existing apparatus being added to. Having regard to the installation as a whole, these works will not significantly alter the appearance of the broadcast facility. The Government clearly encourages the reuse of existing sites and this existing site is required by the plan approved by Ofcom, the regulator and as reflected in National Policy. The use of an existing facility also accords with the relevant Local policy, insofar as applicable. The Government encouragement on the reuse of existing sites is notwithstanding any designated area within which they may lie and if anything applies with particular force as it is evidently a better option than developing new sites in such areas. The minor development proposed will therefore comply with this cornerstone and long established policy that exists to minimise the potential impact of new electronic communications services. As a consequence the considerable public benefits associated with the proposal can be delivered without any material harm to the immediate or wider area of the site. Compliance with Planning Policy The relevant planning policy framework that has been taken into account and in part already alluded to is found principally within: National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Documents within the Local Development Framework The Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development From these documents can be discerned the general policy background that exists for supporting electronic communications development, site specific policies and the key considerations relevant to the siting and design of appropriate electronic communications development. 6

7 Site Specific Policies With regard to the extant Development Plan policy, pursuant to Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the relevant policies are contained within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Local Plan 2003 as supplemented by the Development Plan 27 September The saved policies of TEL1 Telecommunications Development, GB1 Acceptable Uses and Development in the Green Belt and GB2 Unacceptable Development are relevant to the current proposal. The overriding principles of the policies are that of mast and site sharing wherever possible in order to reduce the proliferation of telecommunication sites and by extension protect amenity and the Green Belt. Insofar as it is applicable the development accords with these policies as it involves the reuse of an existing, well established electronic communications transmitting station and the development has been confined to what is required, which helps minimise potential impact on the Green Belt and local amenity, and thus achieve the objectives of the policies. National Planning Policy Framework Sustainable development The statutory duty placed upon local planning authorities under Section 39 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 to consider sustainable development, which is now further accentuated by the presumption in favour of sustainable development within the NPPF, is fully reflected in the proposed development. Having regard to the Government s three key dimensions for sustainable development within the NPPF, the proposed development at Chard Transmitting Station will assist in the following ways: An economic role: modern communications networks in all their different and emerging forms help maintain high and stable levels of economic growth, global competitiveness and new employment. Hence, the UK Government s continued commitment to the growth and development of modern electronic communications such as those planned; A social role:; the modern DAB radio network is specifically part of the wider Government regulatory and policy drive towards improved radio broadcasting services and greater public choice and access to those services. Put simply, DAB will greatly improve the sound quality for the listening public whilst providing a far greater range for listener choice. An environmental role: the modern DAB radio network will provide effective protection of the environment with more efficient and flexible use by sharing the facilities of the existing television broadcasting 7

8 infrastructure network. Consequently this ensures the prudent use of natural resources. The NPPF as a whole is aimed at encouraging a more positive approach to town planning. While the NPPF builds environmental protection into the definition of sustainable development, there is also a very clear emphasis that local planning authorities should be looking for ways to help development come forward and not reject applications simply on environmental grounds. The NPPF recognises that this is especially relevant where a development might have other significantly important benefits such as being essential to meet, for example, sustainable economic growth or a national need which can include new digital communications infrastructure. Hence, it is important to reflect on some key points within the NPPF which are relevant to the very important development at Tolleys Lane and the general planning principles that should apply when assessing the merits of the application: a. Paragraph 14 advises that authorities should: positively seek opportunities to meet the development needs of their area [as part of plan making] meet objectively assessed needs unless the adverse effects would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits ; b. Paragraph 17 advises that planning should proactively drive and support sustainable development to deliver the homes, businesses and industrial units, infrastructure and thriving local places that the country needs [my emphasis]; c. Paragraph 19 states that planning should operate to encourage and not act as an impediment to sustainable growth significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth through the planning system ; d. Paragraph 187, on decision-taking states that authorities should look for solutions rather than problems, and decision-takers at every level should seek to approve applications for sustainable development where possible. Paragraph 14 of the NPPF further states that the presumption in favour of sustainable development lies at the heart of the planning system and, in respect of decision-taking, this means that development proposals that accord with the provisions of the Development Plan should be approved without delay. In respect of this guidance, the preceding sections of this statement demonstrate that the proposed development accords fully with all relevant Development Plan policies and, therefore, permission should be granted for the development. 8

9 Supporting Advanced Communications Infrastructure The proposal is also supported by, and accords with, the guidance in Section 5 of the NPPF, which can be summarised as follows: Government policy is to support high quality communications infrastructure and systems; Government policy is to keep the inevitable environmental impact associated with electronic communications development to the minimum; The key way to minimise environmental impact is to avoid the unnecessary proliferation of new radio masts and sites; The starting point for planning new networks or the expansion of existing networks is, therefore, to use existing electronic communications sites owned by other operators or radio site management companies, such as ; The emphasis on minimising environmental impact is greater according to the sensitivity of the site. The NPPF clearly acknowledges the benefits of modern electronic communications and seeks to encourage such development as being essential to a modern economy and contributing to sustainable objectives. Local planning authorities are advised to respond positively to proposals for electronic communications development and this has to include an understanding of the associated special problems and technical needs of developing communications networks such as that explained within this application. 9

10 6. DESIGN AND ACCESS AS PART OF A NATIONAL NETWORK The development proposed essentially involves engineering operations and so is exempt from the requirement to provide a design and access statement under Article 8 (4) (c) of The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) (Amendment) Order However, to assist, the Government clearly advises that material considerations include the significance of the development as part of a national network. The particular role of the site has been explained and there is population dependent upon it for digital radio services. Network considerations also guide the shape and form of the development proposed. The amount and scale of the new apparatus has been confined to what is operationally required for DAB. This is important to to maintain the overall costs of the project, which would be unnecessarily high if the works were over specified. As the proposals involve the alteration of an existing mast, the layout, design and appearance is necessarily guided by that and the associated structural implications. Likewise the new antennas must be compatible with both the digital technology and the antennas adopted for the whole new radio network For technical reasons, the radio broadcast antenna must be well clear of trees and foliage, which would otherwise affect listeners radio reception. Additionally, the DAB antennas must avoid any technical interference issues with other operators equipment on the mast and as a result these need to be sited above the existing antennas on the structure. As a result, this is not therefore a form of development that can be substantially surrounded with landscaping. There is however a relatively large degree of landscaping along the boundaries of the site, with the adjacent Bradnam Wood and nearby Park Wood, which helps shield both the mast and compound. Couple this with the surrounding Inkydown, Fultness and Gouldin s Woods, then many if not most of the wider views of the mast are very well screened. With regard to access, once installed and operational, the permanent works should not result in any material change to the existing level of activity and traffic already generated through the lawful use of the site as part of a national broadcast network. 10

11 Site Specific Design and Access statement 1. The proposed development will be carried out at the existing transmitting station which comprises a 28.3m high slimline lattice tower together with associated equipment cabins and cabinets within the compound area below the mast. The site is an established telecommunications facility that provides important site sharing infrastructure for electronic operators, including the Blue Light Airwave service, in the area. 2. The current proposal is to install two small VHF dipole antennas on a single support pole that is to be strapped to the top headframe on the tower in order that the mean centre height of the antennas is at 32m above ground level. The intended antennas are designed to be mounted in a compact, slimline fashion which will minimise the impact of visual intrusion and have been kept to the minimum that will suit the technical requirements the radio services to be provided. 3. With the tower sited directly against Bradnam Wood, we believe the structure has become an accepted part of the local landscape over many years and we respectfully suggest the installation as proposed would not add significantly, if at all, in visual terms to that which already exists. 4. The associated controlling equipment requires to be installed within a new cabin as, whilst is the tower owner, it does not yet have any broadcasting equipment at site. This cabin shall be 2.7m in width, 2.7m in length and 2.8m in height and shall be sited in the north east corner of the compound where currently an existing redundant Hutchison 3G equipment cabin sits. This shall be removed to allow to install its new cabin in the same position. 5. To ensure active site monitoring and DAB radio programme feeds to the Pinkneys Green district, a ground based satellite dish is further required to be installed. This shall be sited to the south west corner of the compound and shall comprise a 1.8m diameter satellite dish which will be mounted on a 1m high ground support pole. 6. Access to the site will remain unchanged, as will the ongoing traffic visiting the site. We do not envisage additional maintenance incurring additional visits and, being new equipment, the likelihood of requiring visits for repair is remote. 7. In conclusion, we believe the further use of Hyde Farm (2) transmitting station to accommodate the necessary antenna system for the radio operator results in an environmentally sound and sustainable solution to achieve the required DAB radio coverage requirements. 11

12 7. LOCATION AND SITE PHOTOGRAPHS Location (central blue circle denotes the site) (Mast and cabins in the north east of the ploughed field adjacent to Bradnam Wood and the A308) 12

13 Site Photo 13

14 8. ICNIRP COMPLIANCE A certificate confirming compliance with the relevant ICNIRP guidelines on public exposure is enclosed with the application. Accordingly, as explained within the NPPF, it will not be necessary to consider further the health aspects and concerns about them, which include the perception of risk. 14

15 9. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION In summary, the application seeks full planning permission for the installation of additional electronic communications apparatus specifically for DAB radio that will form a critical role local and national role for radio listeners. The proposal has followed national and local planning policy and best practice guidance in the siting and design of its apparatus. This has included: Network planning based upon existing sites, including those controlled by Radio Site Management companies like ; Siting the development at an existing electronic communications facility to avoid the unnecessary proliferation of new radio masts and sites for them; This statement has demonstrated that the proposal is in accordance with local planning policy, as well as national policy set out in the NPPF. In particular it is a form of development that is specifically encouraged as a matter of principle and in its detail complies with the policy objective of minimising potential environmental impact. In conclusion, the application merits support and there are no material considerations that indicate otherwise. 23 rd December 2014 End of Document 15