EE and Three Lose Appeal for New Mast on Locally Listed Building

Strategic Insights -

A Planning Inspectorate has backed the decision by Brighton and Hove City Council to refuse permission for EE and Three to install a new mast on a locally listed building in Rottingdean. The proposed mast, which aimed to replace a temporary one in the Marine Cliffs car park, was met with criticism from councillors who deemed it an "incongruous feature" that would introduce "visual clutter" to the rooftop of St Margaret's Court. The building, constructed in 1938 by Charles Neville's Saltdean Estate Company, was deemed to have a significant impact on its character and appearance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Planning Inspectorate has upheld the decision by Brighton and Hove City Council to refuse EE and Three's appeal for a new mast on St Margaret's Court in Rottingdean.
  • The proposed mast was deemed an "incongruous feature" that would introduce "visual clutter" to the rooftop of the locally listed building.
  • The council's planning committee criticized the lack of camouflage or shielding for the mast, stating it would be "highly visible" and create an "unwelcome visual clutter."
  • EE and Three claimed the council's planning committee had misunderstood the proposal, providing evidence of the need for the replacement mast and its benefits to local communities.
  • The mobile phone companies had argued that the mast would improve network coverage in the area, aligning with government policy and enhancing connectivity benefits.

Statistics:

  • The Planning Inspectorate received an appeal statement from EE and Three on behalf of Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL).
  • The proposed mast was due to replace a temporary one in the Marine Cliffs car park, with the original phone mast being removed when the White Horses Hotel was refurbished.
  • St Margaret's Court was built in 1938 by Charles Neville's Saltdean Estate Company.
  • Jones, the designer of the building, also designed other notable structures in Saltdean, including the Grade II* listed Saltdean Lido and Grade II listed Ocean Hotel.

Sources:

  • "Planning Inspectorate backs Brighton and Hove City Council's refusal for EE and Three's appeal" (Date not mentioned)
  • "Brighton and Hove City Council decision on EE and Three's mast application" (Date not mentioned)
  • "Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL) appeal statement"