Planning refused for new telecommunications mast close to seaside town in Waterford

An Bord Pleanála has upheld the decision of Waterford City and County Council to refuse permission for the erection of a 21-metre telecommunications mast just outside the seaside town of Tramore.

Vantage Towers Limited had appealed the decision of the local authority to refuse permission for the mast which was intended to be used by telecommunications company Vodafone to provide 2G, 4G and 5G services.

The site of the proposed development is located around 2km outside Tramore, close to the rear of an existing equestrian facility, known as Newtown Stables.

There are a number of one-off homes located along the R675 to the northeast of the site which is also close to Tramore Golf Club, Newtown Golf Practice Range and Tramore Rangers Football Club.

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In a report, just published, planning inspector Jennifer McQuaid notes the R675 road is a designated scenic route known as Copper Coast Coastal route.

There were a number of local objections to the proposed development and Ms McQuaid comments that having visited the area she has concerns over the visual impact that the erection of a mast would have.

"I conclude that the visual impact on the R675 will have a significant impact on the overall scenic value of this section of the route," she commented, adding that it would also be contrary to existing planning policy for the area.

In its appeal, Vantage Towers said the proposed mast, if permitted, would replace an existing Vodafone rooftop installation at  the nearby Rockett’s Pub as it is to be removed and decommissioned.

The company added that 11 other masts within the greater Tramore area were not suitable locations for a variety of reasons.

It also submitted that the "visual impact is overall minimal, intermittent and momentary along the scenic route".

However, recommending that permission be refused, Ms McQuaid stated: "Having regard to the prominent location, scale and height of the structure, which would represent a significant and visually discordant feature in the landscape on a main approach road to Tramore (R675), forming part of the Copper Coast designated scenic route and would seriously injure the visual amenities of the area."