Quilty mast proposal refused planning permission

A CONTROVERSIAL application for a mobile and broadband mast in Quilty has been rejected by the planning authorities.

Cignal Infrastructure had sought permission for a 24-metre monopole mobile and broadband tower with headframe carrying telecommunications equipment at Lissykenthy House, Tromara, Quilty. The company had been turned down for a similar development at a nearby site just a few months earlier and this time the visual impact on the area was the main reason for rejection.

A Clare County Council document explained, “Having regard to the open and exposed character of the site and the visually prominent location of the site from the southern approach to Quilty village and from areas within and on the outskirts of Quilty village, it is considered that the proposed development would conflict with the Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, Guidelines for Planning Authorities.”

It also claimed it would be contrary to the Clare County Development Plan, which requires that “development sites are selected to avoid visually prominent locations and that site layouts avail of existing topography and vegetation to reduce visibility from scenic routes, walking trails, water bodies, public amenities and roads”. T

he local authority found that the development would “seriously injure the visual amenities of the area and the amenities of property in the vicinity and would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

There was a huge level of opposition to the proposal in Quilty with many local people and organisations making objections to the development, while several said the area already has good phone and broadband coverage.

Owen Ryan