New telecoms tower approved

A 20 metre high telecoms tower near Killin could improve communication for locals in the area.

Stirling Council planners have conditionally approved an application by Cornerstone for the lattice tower and ancillary development, including the formation of a new access track, on moorland at Meall Ohdar, Auchmore.

Three representations were received, however none were objections and two were in support, saying the mast and associated infrastructure would provide essential coverage to residents, business owners, and visitors, and there would be associated benefits from reliable mobile connectivity.

Planners said: “The single mast will support antennae for different networks and is part of a Government scheme to extend 4G coverage to rural areas, particularly to the village of Ardeonaig. In selecting the site for the development the applicant has demonstrated various options prior to finalising the site selection to deliver the connectivity where required. The existing masts considered were either too far from the target area or obstructed, which could affect transmission of signals. The potential greenfield sites considered were either too far away, obstructed, too high (for operation effectiveness) or would have had a greater visual impact or too much impact in creating the new access track.

“The mast itself will be a shared resource supporting antennae for different mobile phone networks.

“The use of the permeable lattice structure and not a solid one allows views through the mast and any further means to conceal or disguise the mast are limited given the height of the mast.

“The applicant has demonstrated that their site selection process and sharing of infrastructure means that the benefits to connectivity outweigh any visual impact. However, an ecological study is required to identify whether any vulnerable species would be impacted by the new track and to recommend mitigations to be followed.”