Radio mast to help emergency services set to be refused in heart of Park
FEARS RAISED OVER ‘SIGNIFICANT HARM TO SNOWDON LANDSCAPE’
PLANS for a radio mast alongside one of the most popular footpaths up Snowdon look almost certain to be refused.
The Home Office wants to erect a 10-metre high telecommunications mast at the foot of the Pyg Track at Pen y Pass.
The aim is to improve coverage for the emergency services along the A4086, which runs from Caernarfon, up the Llanberis Pass and past Llynnau Mymbyr to join the A5 at Capel Curig.
But in a report to members of the Snowdonia Park Authority planning committee, which is due to meet today, Wednesday at 10am, officers say the timber-clad mast with two antennae “would cause significant harm to the landscape of the national park”.
Natural Resources Wales – the statutory adviser to the authority on landscape matters – says it would “unacceptably intrude upon walkers approaching the Pyg track and upon the dramatic skyline view of the north ridge of Crib Goch.
“Within easterly approaches to the pass along the A4086, the mast would be seen in silhouette on the skyline for a prolonged period, contrasting within the predominantly horizontal form of buildings and car-park at the site,” say the officers.
Negotiations have been ongoing with Scottish Power as part of the visual improvements programme in areas of natural beauty to remove overhead lines and poles between Nant Peris and Pen y Pass and to lay cables underground.
“This will undoubtedly de-clutter and improve the landscape of the area. Granting this (application) does risk undermining or conflicting (with) the work that has been ongoing with Scottish Power,” says the report.
The Home Office agents say the site has been chosen because there is a “large hole” and variation in service levels across the target area, with few opportunities of providing a radio base station in the area. The Pen y Pass site would provide uninterrupted coverage along the A4086.
The nearby Gorphwysfa Youth Hostel was considered but presented insurmountable problems.
In recommending refusal, the officers state: “We fully recognise the importance of providing coverage for the Emergency Service Network where little or no current infrastructure is present.
“This is recognised by the fact nine masts have been approved by the authority under this programme.
“However, care needs to be taken when the site is located within a National Park where the highest priority needs to be given to the protection and enhancement of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.”