Agenda item
Redwood Court, 85 Sunnyside London, N19 3SN
Minutes:
Proposed rooftop telecommunications upgrade involving; the replacement of existing antennas, dish and cabinet with 6 no. new antennas, 3 no. dishes and 2 replacement equipment cabinets to facilitate 5G coverage.
(Planning application number: P2019/1652/FUL (Council Owned Building))
In the discussion the following points were made:
- The
Planning Officer informed the meeting that although the site is
situated within the Whitehall Park Conservation Area, there are no
statutory or locally listed buildings in the vicinity of the site
nor is Redwood Court listed, so there is no impact on heritage
assets.
- Members
were reminded that issues for consideration with the proposal
include the impact of the proposals on the character and appearance
of the Conservation Area, public benefits, impact on the amenities
of surrounding occupiers and public health implications.
- With
regards to the impact of the proposal on the character and
appearance of the conservation area, the Planning Officer
highlighted concerns of the Design and
Conservation Team with regards to telecommunications equipment
being installed on roof tops. The Team
recognised that considering the host building is not an
undesignated heritage asset and is considerably higher than its
neighbours it will only have a neutral impact.
- Members
were reminded that installations of any telecommunications is
governed by national and international legislation and guidance
which requires the need to comply with limitations imposed by the
International Commission of Non-Ionising Radiation Protection
(ICNIRP).
- A Member of
the public expressed concerns about health risks in connection with
5G masts, especially to children, and that residents had not been
informed of the proposals before commencement. A resident requested
for public discussion of the dangers of 5G with residents before
decisions are taken to erect them on tenants properties prior to
applications being approved.
- A
neighbouring resident stated that she had concerns about 5G and the
effects of radiation and believed that 4G is perfectly adequate for
mobile phone use. In addition, she noted that there is evidence of
associated dangers with prolonged use of 5G mast and its
technology.
- The
applicant stated that all telecommunication equipment and
its installation operates to
international standards and must be in compliance with ICNIRP
guidelines. The applicant indicated that the equipment is low
sound[k1]
generating, designed to be in full compliance with
guidelines and sufficiently separated from nearby residential
accommodation to cause any disturbance.
- In response
to public health concerns raised by objectors, the Planning Officer
informed the meeting that colleagues in Public Health had
considered the proposal and provided guidance that risks to public
health is low and that the deployment of 5G does not pose a threat
to the health and safety of residents (the public Health commentary
on 5G, which was included with the papers was noted by the
Committee). In addition members were advised that the
electromagnetic radiation emitted by the proposed antennas would
comply with ICNIRP Guidelines, and that the proposed installation
has the appropriate certification.
- In response
to consultation concerns, the Planning Officer stated that 179
letters of consultation had been sent to residents in the block and
surrounding area, and no responses were received. The applicant on the other hand stated that
although he did not have precise details of the consultation
carried out but was sure the company’s consultation plan
which included contacting the Ward Councillors would have been
carried out in addition to the Council letters of
consultation.
- A Member
stated that whilst recognising that the application met
certification standards telecom companies had to recognise the need
to be in discussion with the public to allay their fears given the
concern over 5G, that for future applications the applicant’s
consultation process needs to be more robust. The applicant stated
that for future applications they would undertake to contact
residents affected in addition to Ward Councillors.
- In response
to a suggestion for applicants to facilitate public
meetings prior to applications being
put forward to planning committee so as to allay public safety
concerns, the Planning Officer highlighted Paragraph 116 of the
National Planning Policy which states that Local authorities must
determine applications on planning grounds only and not question
the need for an electronic communication system, or set health
safeguards different from the International Commission guidelines
for public exposure.
- It was
noted that in the report there was evidence from the Director of
Public Health on the scientific advice on 5G, and that in view of
this and the ICNIRP certificate the Committee were not in a
position to reject or ignore such advice.
- A view was
expressed that 5G masts seemed to be erected in a haphazard manner
across the borough, mainly on high rise Council blocks, and that
there needed to be a more co-ordinated approach by providers to the
erection of masts.
- Councillor Clarke proposed an amendment to the recommendation for the application to be deferred for further consultation with residents which was seconded by Councillor Mackmurdie. Motion to defer was put to vote, which was lost by 5 votes to 2.
Councillor Klute proposed a motion to grant planning permission. This was seconded by Councillor Kay.
RESOLVED:
That following consideration of the case officer’s report (the assessment and recommendations therein), the presentation to Committee, submitted representations and objections provided verbally at this meeting, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions and informatives set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report.
[k1]Low ‘radiation’ generating – surely?
Supporting documents:
- Redwood Court, 85 Sunnyside Road - Committee Report, item 166. PDF 4 MB
- Map P2019-1652-FUL Redwood Court, 85 sunnyside, London, N19 3SN, item 166. PDF 120 KB