Albert Hill, Off Roundabout, Darlington, DL1 1JL

describes as a 5G telecoms installation: 15 metre high ‘slim line’ Phase 8 H3G street pole c/w wrap around cabinet and 3no. cabinets with ancillary works– to be coloured grey

Authority: Darlington Borough Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: telecoms · Other minor developments
Inspector: Megginson C

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the siting and appearance of the proposed installation on the character and appearance of the area
Whether any harm would be outweighed by the need for the installation to be sited as proposed having regard to the potential availability of alternative sites

What decided it

The unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the area caused by the siting and appearance of the proposed installation, which was not outweighed by the benefits of 5G coverage given that less harmful alternatives had not been properly explored.

Framework references: 115, 117

Plan policies cited: Policy IN7

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.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
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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