Mast decision put on hold after a storm of protest

Villagers in Strathyre are describing a 45 feet mast being proposed for the village as a “monstrosity”.

Developer Arqiva have applied to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to erect the 13.5 metre high structure.

However, there have been 18 individual objections to the proposal, with some saying there was only one homeowner officially notified of the proposal.

Potential further increase in height of the mast and health issues are among the issues raised.

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead and Strathyre Community Council has also objected, citing their main reason as visual impact in a sensitive location.

In their submission to park planners they said: “The proposed location at the side of the A84 trunk road and immediately adjacent to National Cycle Route Seven means that the mast would be one of the first structures seen by everyone entering Strathyre from the north. It would definitely not be a feature that would give a favourable first impression of the village.

“We believe that the applicants have not fully investigated all of the potential alternative locations that must exist, and so have not conclusively addressed the requirements of the National Park’s Local Development Plan Telecommunications Policy One.

“In our opinion the overriding factor in selecting the proposed site has been that technically it’s the easiest and probably therefore the cheapest option given its very close proximity to the existing BT Exchange.

“As a community council we don’t believe that these should be the most important factors when siting a mast in an attractive village within the National Park.”

A meeting of the National Park’s planning committee on Monday agreed to defer a decision on the application to allow a hearing to be held at a later date at which objectors - who have now launched a petition against the proposal - can be represented.

In a supporting statement to park planners, Arqiva said: “The proposed development forms part of Arquiva’s planned Smart Meter network, which is being created as part of the government’s initiative to roll out smart electricity and gas meters to homes and small businesses across Great Britain between 2014 and 2020.

“The micro and repeater sites are required to provide localised coverage over very specific areas and so the siting parameters for coverage reasons are narrow.

“The use of the application site looks to provide the best balance between operational and environmental considerations. The site is located so that it can provide the required level of coverage to the properties it needs to serve, and the use of an innovatively designed slim structure will ensure it appears similar to other street furniture commonly found within the street scene.

“The design and appearance of the structure should, therefore, be acceptable.”