PLANS to improve 4G internet connectivity in a rural part of the Lake District have moved a step closer.
Applicant Cornerstone has been informed by the Lake District National Park Authority that prior approval is not necessary for the proposed telecommunications works near Satterthwaite in the Rusland Valley.
Proposals include the installation of a 22.5-metre-high monopole painted olive placed on a 7.7 metre x 3.7 metre x 1.1 metres concrete foundation. Mounted on the monopole would be three antennas painted olive, two dishes and one GPS module.
At ground level would be six remote radio units (RRUs), an equipment cabinet, a meter cabinet and associated ancillary works.
A planning report for this application states: “The provision of high quality mobile network coverage is essential for rural communities and a Government priority and therefore holds significant weight.
“Currently there is a gap in coverage around Rusland that does not provide 4G coverage. The development would provide people, business and the emergency services 4G coverage where there is none.”
The proposal is part of the government backed scheme which is referred to as: Shared Rural Network “SRN”.
The scheme is a collaboration between mobile network operators, along with the government to improve 4G mobile coverage for people living, working and travelling in rural areas which have little to no mobile coverage.
The network would ensure geographic coverage is achieved from at least one operator to 95 per cent of the UK by 2025, broadening consumer choice for a high-speed and reliable mobile broadband service in rural areas.
However an objector claimed the development ‘will have a hugely negative impact on the environment and aesthetics of Rusland Valley Ancient woodlands and Country Wildlife site’.
They added the proposed telecommunications works ‘will likely become defunct in a short period of time, due to technology advancements.’
A previous planning application on this site for a 25-metre-high lattice telecommunication mast with three attached antennas was rejected in March this year due to concerns over the harm to the character of the landscape.
However according to the planning report officers are satisfied any impact to the landscape would be minimal.
The report states: “Overall, I consider that the installation would have a minor adverse visual and landscape impact, but steps have been taken through its siting and appearance to reduce these impacts to being relatively localised.”
The Lake District National Park Authority made the decision no prior approval was needed for the application on October 13.