An Bord Pleanála reject plans for a 36m telecoms tower in Tipperary due to ‘visual impact’

A decision to grant permission for a 36m telecommunications tower in Roscrea, has been overturned by An Bord Pleanála on the grounds that it would injure the visual amenity of the area.

Cignal Infrastructure Limited lodged plans for a 36m high multi-user lattice tower in Benamore, Roscrea, County Tipperary, on September 12, 2022.

The telecommunications structure was to consist of a headframe raised on a 1.2 m concrete plinth, carrying antenna and dishes enclosed with a 2.4 metre palisade fence compound, with associated ground equipment and associated site works including a new entrance and access track.

The plans attracted 10 submissions, including an objection from a local resident, Elizabeth Gleeson.

“Firstly, the visual impact cannot be overlooked in the case of this 36m tall structure,” stated Ms Gleeson. “It must be acknowledged that the location in Timoney would be far suitable due to the distance of that proposal to residential properties.

“In the case of the 36m tall structure currently seeking permission in Roscrea, the location of this tower is wholly unsuitable as this location and nearby roundabout serves as the ‘gateway’ or entry point to Roscrea.

“The importance of this location is evidenced by the fact that the local supermarket regularly sponsor planting on the nearby roundabout, owing to the prominence and importance of the roundabout as a welcome point to Roscrea. It would thus be incomprehensible to permit a 36m tower near this important location.

“There is an existing tower located about 250m from the proposed location of the proposed new telecommunication tower.

“I cannot understand why it is necessary to provide two of these towers, 250m away from each other, which will undoubtedly result in the proliferation of these towers in this part of Roscrea. I ask why can’t the existing tower be adapted – at existing height – to satisfy the requirements of the proposed structure?”

“The ‘visual impact appraisal’ document also fails to assess the impact of the tower, attempting to show that this tower will be shielded by existing tree cover.

“This 36m tower will be visible for a long distance outside of Roscrea and will be located prominently and thus will have significant negative impacts. Residential properties in the area will be significantly impacted by this unsuitably located tower.

“To conclude, the subject site is wholly unacceptable for such a development and should be refused outright, or risk the creation of a precedent for telecommunication structures in residential areas,” added Ms Gleeson.

The plans were given the go-ahead by Tipperary County Council on March 16, 2023, subject to four conditions. This decision was subsequently appealed to An Bord Pleanála on April 11, 2023.

On Friday April 5 this year, An Bord Pleanála overturned Tipperary County Council’s decision, and refused permission for the mast.

The reasons given were that “having regard to the site’s prominent location in an area designated for amenity use, its proximity to Roscrea town and residential properties, and the Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures Guidelines for Planning Authorities issued by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government in 1996, the Roscrea Local Area Plan 2023-2029 and Tipperary County Development Plan 2022-2028, it is considered the proposed development would be visually intrusive by reason of its height, scale and design and would adversely injure the visual amenities of the area.

“The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

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