Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the report and the urgent update report of the Head of Planning and Development.

In introducing the application, the Senior Planning Officer advised the Committee that since publication of the urgent update report, further representations had been received from a neighbour raising health issues, including the validity of the ICNIRP certificate, and issues concerning the exclusion zone.  She had re-consulted the Environmental Health Officer who had confirmed that there was a valid ICNIRP certificate for the site.  Paragraph 118 of the NPPF stated that local planning authorities should not set health safeguards different from the International Commission guidelines for public exposure and health matters should not form part of the assessment of such applications.  There was a five-metre exclusion zone around the antennae of the monopole which would be at a height of 17.6m.  The certification for this was up to date and had been confirmed by the Environmental Health Officer.

Mr Farry, an objector, addressed the meeting in person.

In the absence of a representative of a local residents’ association/amenity group, the Chairman read out a statement on behalf of Mr Best, another objector, who was unable to address the Committee himself due to connectivity issues.

Mr Flaherty addressed the meeting remotely on behalf of the applicant.

Councillor Harper (Visiting Member) addressed the meeting remotely.

RESOLVED:  That permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.

Voting:  6 – For  6 – Against  1 – Abstention

There being equal numbers of votes for and against, the Chairman exercised his casting vote in favour of permission being granted.