COUNCIL REJECTS PLAN FOR TELECOMS POLE ON LAND OUTSIDE GRIMSBY INSTITUTE

                                               

Grimsby Institute - might  health of students and staff be affected by telecoms pole radiation?

A PLAN to install a telecommunications pole and equipment cabinets on land off Bargate and outside Grimsby Institute has unexpectedly been turned down.

The application by Clarke Telecom did not go before North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee but was determined by a case officer under delegated powers.

The reason given for refusal is as follows: "The proposed monopole, cabinets and ancillary equipment, by reason of their height, position and appearance, would represent a detrimental visual intrusion on the character of the area, thereby detracting from the setting and character of the Wellow Conservation Area."

The decision will please the Institute which had opposed the proposal, partly for fear radiation might have an adverse impact on the health of students and staff.

Also opposed was NELC's conservation officer, Louise Jennings, whose comment on the application  is as follows: "The proposal  does not properly consider the impacts on the conservation area and adjacent heritage assets. 

"Although situated slightly away from the dwellings, the impacts on the wider conservation area have not been considered.

"This equipment is situated on the edge of the conservation area and will have a negative impact. 

"The large pole is much higher and wider than other street furniture and will be obvious in the street scene while the associated equipment cabinets, which are quite substantial, will create a barrier to the visual open space of the college behind it. 

"I recommend that an alternative location be found - one that will not be easily visible when looking both in and out of the conservation area."

It is not known if Clarke Telecom will appeal.