Blackfield: NFDC blocks plan for huge pylon near Gang Warily Achi-News

Icon Tower Infrastructure refused to agree to erect an 80ft structure on part of the playing field opposite the Gang and Riley Sports Center in Neylands Road, Blackfield.

The New Forest District Council (NFDC) said the need for a new mast in the area could be met in a more “visually sympathetic” way.

The applicant requested permission to build a lattice tower supporting 12 antennas on two head frames, with six cabinets on the ground.

Plans to build an 80-foot telecom tower in front of the Gang and Reilly Sports Center have been thrown out (Image: Newsquest)

The council’s report states: “Today the area of ​​the site is relatively open, with a wider open view to the north, south and east.

“The proposed structure will represent a prominent visual feature in the surrounding context due to its height and bulky head frame.

“The site occupies a small area of ​​land at the back of an existing skatepark, which does not appear to be actively utilized.

“Nevertheless, the development may put the land out of use and serve as a limitation on potential future improvements to the site, without offering a clear rationale for the loss of open space.”

Gang Warily holds several big events every year, including Armed Forces Day (Image: Newsquest)

The report stated that the applicant did not identify a particular local need or shortage that would justify a new mast.

“Their justification for the proposal appears to rely heavily on what they see as difficulties associated with the continued use of existing communications base stations on adjacent pylons.

“It is not considered, based on the information currently submitted, that the applicant has provided a clear and compelling need for the proposed development.

“Continued use/upgrading of existing base stations on poles will do much less harm to the visual amenity of the area than a new 25 m long mast in an open environment in the landscape.

“The scale and prominence of the structure would represent an inappropriate form of development in this location.

“It has not been clearly proven that there is a definite need for infrastructure in this area that cannot be adequately answered in a more visually acceptable way.”

The council has now issued a notice of decision citing what it describes as the tower’s “significant height and ungainly appearance”.

“The proposed mechanism will be blatant and intrusive within the wider surrounding context, and will therefore damage the character and visual comfort of the area,” it said.

The only objection to the request was submitted by another telecommunications provider, Selnex.