Land to the rear of Gale Street Bus Stop, Whitworth Road, Rochdale, OL12 6EH

described on the application form as: ‘installation of a 20m high monopole, electronic communications mast to support 12 no. antenna a nd 2no. dishes with wrap-around cabinet at base. Additionally, 9 no. radio equipment cabinets to be installed in two blocks at the base of the mast

Authority: Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: telecoms · Other minor developments
Inspector: Martinson P

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area

What decided it

The siting and appearance of the proposed monopole would be significantly harmful to the character and appearance of the area, and this harm would not be outweighed by the need for the installation.

The benefits of mast sharing and addressing lack of 5G coverage were outweighed by the significant harm to character and appearance of the area and the Greenspace Corridor.

Framework references: 115, 130

Plan policies cited: Policy P1, Policy P3, Policy DM1, Policy G6, Policy G/8

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
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Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.

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