Newtownabbey phone mast approved as council told of 'requirement to secure a new site to allow mobile coverage to continue'
A proposed 22.5 metre mobile phone mast was approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Monday.
The proposal is for a lattice tower with equipment and three cabinets to the rear of Glenwell House, Glenwell Road, Newtownabey.
A planning officer told the committee one letter of objection has been received highlighting concerns over land ownership, potential impact on access and servicing and on operational requirement of an established business.
The officer said the recommendation was to grant permission. A committee report noted an existing mast in the area is located approximately 180 metres north-east of the proposed site.
A supporting statement indicated this area is currently being served by a mast at 230 Antrim Road which is “subject to a ‘Notice to Quit’ from the site provider and there is a requirement to secure a new site in the area to allow mobile coverage to continue”.
“There is a requirement to site within a reasonable distance to the original structure at 230 Antrim Road to allow for a replication of the existing coverage.”
The report noted: “The proposal is for a one-for-one replacement of a nearby existing mast and does not contribute towards a proliferation of masts within the Glengormley area.”
It also said “utilising other base stations in the wider Glengormley area would overlap the existing coverage provided and would leave a gap in the coverage within this area”.
The supporting statement reports 24 alternative sites were considered within the immediate area of the existing mast.
An objector told the meeting there is a “fundamental misunderstanding of what happens at Glenwell House”. She explained it is a logistics hub for a fashion retail operation, a business serving 30 retail stores across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and online.
“The true function and scale of this site is not fully appreciated,” she stated. She explained that HGVs at the site require “substantial space to manoeuvre and load safely”.
Barry Diamond, council’s head of planning, said the applicant Cornerstone Telecommunications has applied for permission on the land. He said the recommendation was to approve permission.
He explained permission would give a right to develop if the consent of the land owner can be acquired.
Permission was granted with eight councillors voting in favour and one against.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter