Planning appeal questions if Newcastle is really a village

IN AN appeal against a decision to refuse planning permission for a 24-metre-high telecommunications mast, an applicant stated that it is “debatable” whether Newcastle is a town or village.

Vantage Towers Ltd lodged plans to erect a 24-metre-high monopole telecommunications support structure with antennas, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment.

Along with all enclosed security fencing, the proposed development plans for Annie May’s Pub on Main Street in Newcastle, were filed on September 6, 2021.

On November 1, the council refused permission for the proposed development.

While describing the growth of Newcastle in an appeal against the decision, the applicant sparked debate.

“Newcastle has grown rapidly over the last five years,” the appeal reads.

“Whether it is a town or a village is debatable, however the demand for communication services has grown and is not being met.”

The statement comes with the increased amount of time that people spend at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic whether it be for work or personal reasons.

The initial decision to refuse permission came on the basis of the scale, height and design of the proposed telecommunications structure, the location within the Newcastle Architectural Conservation Area and proximity to St Finian’s Roman Catholic Church, a protected structure.

With regard for the aforementioned reasons, the council came to the conclusion that the plans would contravene objectives in the South Dublin County Development Plan.

In particular, the council was of the belief that it contravened an objective which “seeks to protect and conserve the special character of the historic core of the traditional villages”.

On November 24, Charterhouse Infrastructure Consultants lodged a first-party appeal against the decision to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) on behalf of the applicant, Vantage Towers Ltd.

Vantage Towers was created by Vodafone Group in 2020 and today, as an independent company, owns 1,300 masts in Ireland.

According to the appeal, Vodafone has fringe coverage in the heart of, and immediately around Newcastle, which manifests as having “very weak coverage” for 3G and 4G service.

They believe that this can only be overcome by placing “necessary infrastructure” within Newcastle.

Vodafone intend to install coverage for 5G service purposes and stated that “the technological requirement limits the location suitable for such infrastructure”.

The car park at Annie May’s Pub is the “only realistic location” in respect of technological and planning requirements, according to the appeal.

The applicant acknowledged that the mast will have a visual impact on St Finian’s Church, a protected structure.

However, they believe the 24m structure will “not dominate or compete with the church”.

The case is due to be decided by the Board by April 7, 2022.