Monday 13 December 2010

Vodaphone plan new mast in Twerton



We have been notified by Vodaphone of their intention to install a mobile phone mast on the corner of Wedgewood Road and Poolemead Road close to the Junction of Alec Rickets Close. Vodaphone tell us that they wish to share a mast with O2. The proposal from Vodaphone is below and we would like to hear from residents their opinions on the proposal as soon as possible so that we can respond to Vodaphone and the planning Authority and in any case within the next ten days.


Vodafone and O2 have a requirement to provide coverage to this area of Bath and have therefore identified the following site as their preferred option.

·     Highways Land on Poolemead Road, Twerton Bath BA2 1Q   (NGR 371914,164193)

Vodafone are allowing O2 to mast share at this proposed mast. It is proposed that a 13.8m mk3 dual user street column (total height approx. 13.8m) to accommodate both Vodafone’s and o2’s antennas is deployed .The proposed antennas will be shrouded within the structure. There will also be the need for radio equipment cabinets of less than 2.5 metres3 to be ground based. Please find the attached drawings which detail the above.

It is considered that sharing of the proposed site will prevent the proliferation of structures within the area, as Telefonica O2 will not need to progress a separate installation in this locality. This type of installation will ensure the visual amenity of the area is maintained whilst mast sharing also conforms to local and national planning policy guidance relating to telecommunications development. The preferred site is being considered as the preferred option as it is sited as far away from residential properties as much as possible in an position that represents a small break in an otherwise predominantly residential cell search area. The site is considered visually unobtrusive, benefiting from the good natural screening from the adjacent tree, while the site provides optimal radio coverage in the area, meeting Vodafone’s (and o2’s) technical requirements.

The Local Planning Authority mast register and our records of other potential sites have already been reviewed, the policies in the Development Plan have been taken into account and the planning history of the site has been examined.

All Vodafone and 02 installations are designed to be fully compliant with the public exposure guidelines established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines have the support of UK Government, the European Union and they also have the formal backing of the World Health Organisation.  A certificate of ICNIRP compliance will be included within the planning submission.

In order to give you time to send your comments or request further information, we commit to allow at least 14 days before an application is submitted to the Local Planning Authority.