BRAMHOPE and Carlton Parish Council is urging local residents to follow its lead and raise objections to a 15 metre high telecoms mast planned in the green belt.
In January of this year Hutchinson Networks applied to Leeds City Council for planning permission to install a 5G mast at the junction of Old Lane and the A658 Harrogate Road in Bramhope.
Bramhope and Carlton Parish Council objected because the mast would be 15 metres high and in a highly visible position in the green belt.
Leeds City Council, the local planning authority, rejected the application because the mast would be located in a very prominent location and “the size and scale of the mast and surrounding cabinets would be have a detrimental impact on the character and openness of the Green Belt”.
The LCC planners went on to say: “The proposed base, cabinets, monopole mast and antennas by virtue of its height, width and solid design will appear overly dominant and out of scale with its surroundings and would therefore result in unacceptable harm to the visual amenity of the area.”
They added: "Given the position adjacent to open fields with a lack of any notable tree screening, there will not be any form of backdrop to screen the works and the proposal will appear a stark and incongruous addition to its surroundings and landscape. This will particularly be highlighted when approaching from Pool Bank to the North and Old Lane to the East."
However, Hutchinson Networks appealed the decision and now a Planning Inspector will decide whether to allow the mast to be built. Bramhope and Carlton Parish Council are asking residents to make their views known either by contacting the Planning Inspectorate directly or via the Parish Council.
Councillor John Howard said: “The Parish Council recognises the need for 5G telecommunications across the country. But when we saw the plans, we were shocked to realise that the proposed mast was significantly higher than the existing nine metre high street lights and would dominate the views for miles around.
"It is vital that residents make their views known by the deadline of 12th July. Residents can use the online appeals service at https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ or write enclosing three copies to: The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN quoting their reference number APP/N4720/W/22/3300272
Cllr Howard added: "Any comments we receive will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate."
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