Putting differences aside to fight mast

Rival politicians have been uniting in support of campaigners in Strathyre who want an alternative site used for a smart meter mast.

A planning application for the mast was recently approved by Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, despite major objections from the community.

The three Trossachs and Teith ward councillors - Evelyn Tweed (SNP) and Tories Martin Earl and Jeremy McDonald - have now joined forces in support of the objectors.

In a joint letter, councillors Earl, Tweed and McDonald told Arqiva: “The location of the mast put forward by your agents has caused a great deal of concern among the village with the vast majority of the 250 residents raising concerns regarding the impact the mast will have on the visual amenity of the area. The village is a well-known visitor location and is located on the main route used by tourists through this part of the Park. As local Councillors we share these concerns.

“We strongly feel that an alternative location proposed was not thoroughly investigated and that it may well be possible to locate this mast alongside an existing BT mast near the proposed location. The Telecommunications Act requires alternative sites to be investigated. Indeed a number were bought forward and discounted due to issues with coverage.

“However the location we are suggesting was not addressed comprehensively as the rationale provided was to discount possible cohosting of the smart meter equipment on the existing BT mast and did not consider locating a separate mast. There were no concerns raised regarding coverage.

“Given the strength of feeling throughout the community that the location proposed in the application will be detrimental to the location and undermine the considerable efforts of that community to enhance and improve the village we would ask that serious consideration be given to this alternate site. This alternate location is supported by the village community.”

In a response to the councillors, however, an Arqiva spokesperson said: “As you know, the project was subject to a full planning application. Prior to making the application Arqiva’s agents WHP wrote to the planning authority, the Community Trust, the primary school and to you, councillors Earl and McDonald.

“Those letters set out the background and purpose of the project and included plans. The community and its representatives were therefore well informed about it and able to make representations to the planning authority as it was under consideration.

“Although the installation has been described as a ‘mast’, it is in reality a relatively slender pole and its visual impact will be limited.

“The consented location is in the highway verge. Arqiva is a Code Operator under the Electronic Communications Code and is thereby permitted to locate equipment on highway land.”

The spokesperson said a site near an existing BT pole on a verge around 200 metres north along the A84 was discounted following discussions with the planning authority, adding: “It is outside the village envelope and would have required a significantly taller, and therefore thicker structure. This option was not considered viable for technical reasons and was not favoured by the planning authority.

“We believe the proposal has been properly justified to and considered by the planning authority, which has granted planning permission for it. In these circumstances we believe that it is proper to proceed with it.”