Agenda and minutes

Apologies had been received from Councillor Judy Kelly with Councillor Michael White substituting.

There were no declarations of interests notified.

It was confirmed that all items on the agenda were marked as Part 1 and would be considered in public.

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 July 2011 were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting.

Representatives from Residents’ Associations

The Chairman welcomed Ian Brooks and Lesley Crowcroft of the Eastcote Residents’ Association to the first witness session of the review of telecommunication masts and ancillary equipment associated with the masts.

He explained that as part of the review, the Committee would welcome and listen to concerns that residents may have about what might be done with perceived problems about the issue.

Witnesses informed the Committee that as well as concerns about the telecommunication masts, there were major issues in respect of the installations of cabinets, which were 1.6m high and very wide. Particular concerns were raised about the fact that planning application to install the masts were only required in conservation areas; otherwise they could be installed outside a conservation area without any prior notification to residents.

Further concerns raised related to the issue of the siting of the cabinets, which witnesses felt were sited without due consideration to the visual impact of the area and without due regard to guidelines. An example stated was the Policy of not placing cabinets near fences (to discourage people from climbing into residents’ gardens).

Witnesses were of the opinion that many masts had been sited in the past without being approved by a Planning Committee. Furthermore, a key issue raised was that cabinets were installed without due regard to safety issues, as the width of the footpaths were often inadequate for passers by due to the share size of the cabinets. In addition, witnesses did not think that the width of the pavements were included in submitted applications.

Officers advised that 1.6m high cabinets were permitted only in conservation areas and the planning department was refusing many applications sited outside the conservation areas.

It was highlighted that in the past, the Council would not allow for masts to be placed on Council land. It was also mentioned that some masts had been allowed on appeal. Witnesses expressed grave concerns about the siting of cabinets and their effect on pedestrians and the environment and suggested that if the operators were duplicating in the same area, then they should be encouraged to amalgamate and share masts. 

Officers commented that the Council’s Corporate Landlord would need to be engaged in respect of the use of Council land. Whilst the Planning Department dealt with operators, Corporate Landlord was not currently actively involved in planning matters.

Witnesses suggested that it would be helpful if applicants gave reasons or evidence in their planning application to support their case for the sites that they state and submit as the only suitable sites for the installation of their masts.

Witnesses accepted that masts were required but considered that the Council should look at where applicants could re-site and suggest alternative locations.  It was suggested that operators might be prepared to re-position masts, particularly in unsightly locations.

The Chairman commented that operators sought to place the cabinets as close as possible to the highway for maintenance purposes.

Officers advised that operators would usually seek to install the cabinets on highway lands  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

Resolved

The Committee agreed the Forward Plan.

Resolved

The Committee agreed the Work Programme for 2011/12.