Planning Refused For Telecoms Mast On Public Footpath

Committee said mast would be "visually intrusive to site and surrounding area"

An application to install a 10m high telecommunications mast on a public footpath by Gunnersbury Station was refused at this week's Chiswick Area Planning Committee.

Although it was previously recommended for approval by a Council planner, the Committee felt that the mast would be "visually intrusive to the site and surrounding area."

The application was made by Orange who have an existing telecommunications site located on the rooftop of the BSI building. However the company claims that because the mast is situated at the back of the property on the south end of the rooftop, the height of the building at the front shadows the signal and prevents coverage from reaching areas to the north.

Orange did offer alternative sites including “The Building”, Chiswick High Road, Chiswick Park, Chiswick High Road, Lamppost “swap out” (involves using street lampposts and attaching an antenna on to the pole) and John Bull at 590 Chiswick High Road. However, Orange also gave reasons why these alternative sites were unsuitable including lack of space and unsuitable signal.

January 16, 2009