Area of Verge, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN1 5NQ

a 5G telecoms installation: H3G 20m street pole and additional equipment cabinets

Authority: West Northamptonshire
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: telecoms · Change of use
Inspector: Allen K

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
the effect of the siting and appearance of the proposed installation on the living conditions of the occupiers of the adjacent flats, with particular regard to outlook
whether any harm caused is outweighed by the need for the installation to be sited as proposed taking into account any suitable alternatives

What decided it

The appellant did not adequately demonstrate that a thorough review of alternative sites had been carried out or that less harmful alternatives were unavailable, such that the harm to character, appearance and living conditions was not outweighed by the need for the installation at this location.

Framework references: 121, 122

Plan policies cited: Policy S10 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Local Plan (Part 1), Policy SD1 of the Northampton Local Plan Part 2, Policy Q1 of the Northampton Local Plan Part 2, Policy Q2 of the Northampton Local Plan Part 2

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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What an account adds

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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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