Issue - meetings

Installation of four new microwave transmission dishes on braced support poles fixed to the face of the building and one new 150mm wide cable tray, alongside the removal of three existing microwave transmission dishes on freestanding support frames.

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED: That the application be approved.

Installation of four new microwave transmission dishes on braced support poles fixed to the face of the building and one new 150mm wide cable tray, alongside the removal of three existing microwave transmission dishes on freestanding support frames.

Councillor Roy Chamdal returned to the room at the commencement of this item.

Officers introduced the item and delivered a detailed presentation summarising the application. It was noted that resident concerns had been raised regarding possible adverse health impacts arising from the development; it was confirmed that an International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) declaration certificate had been submitted in support of the application to ensure that it would be built and operated in a way that had no adverse Health impacts. Members attention was drawn to the addendum where it was also noted that a request had been made from a resident to consult the Office of Communications (Ofcom) on the validity of the declaration certificate however, it was highlighted that Ofcom were not a statutory consultee and were not involved in the determination of planning applications or assessing ICNIRP certificates. Officers deemed the development not to have any adverse health or visual impact, the application was recommended for approval subject to proposed conditions.

A petition had been received objecting to the application, the lead petitioner was present and addressed the Committee. Key points raised in their address included:

·         Residents felt that the existing arrangement of telecommunications equipment on the roof top of Point West were unsightly, and they did not want any additional equipment installed.

·         Concerns were raised regarding the safety of the proposals specifically highlighting the health impacts that the development would have on residents living in, and in close proximity to Point West, including as a result of close contact with electromagnetic frequencies.

·         Further health concerns were raised with regard to microwave hearing and queries were made regarding evidence of microwave auditory limit testing at ground level. Exclusion zone diagrams for the combined radiation emitting equipment at the site had not been provided.

·         Further issues regarding potential health impacts to nearby residents were raised as a concern, including nausea and sleep abnormalities as a result of the telecommunications equipment to be installed on the rooftop. It was stated that the extent of the impact on people’s health could not be fully assessed with the level of information provided with the application.

A statement had been received from the agent for the application which was read out for the Committee. Key points raised in the statement included:

·         Point West was a high-rise building, 31.7m tall, which already hosted a significant number of telecommunications installations, including existing transmission dishes belonging to the applicant. The building was note located in a conservation area nor was it of historic interest.

·         It was highlighted that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) considered the reuse of existing sites to be the best option when considering locations for telecommunications installations.

·         The planning officer’s report confirmed that the proposal would support the aims and objectives  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11