COUNCILLORS TO RULE ON MARKINCH MAST PLAN
Fife Today
A PROPOSED mobile mast to the north of Markinch looks set to be refused by councillors.
Vodafone Ltd., has asked Fife Council for permission to install a 14-metre high mast, three antennas and associated equipment cabins on the north side of the A92 junction with Stobcross Road.
The application was due to come before councillors at the Central Area Development Committee Meeting in the Town House, Kirkcaldy yesterday (Tuesday).
A report prepared by planner Stuart Wilson, and placed before the committee, said there are three planning considerations to be looked at - government guidance, the Development Plan and objections received.
Mr Wilson said although the proposed mast was higher than the existing 12-metre high street lamp post, it would not impact on the overall area.
And when looking at the Development Plan, Mr Wilson said the application site is located within a green corridor but as the mast would be installed within the road verge, it would not be detrimental to this.
The proposal is also in accordance with policies relating to design and visual impacts.
But the proposal was recommended for refusal on road safety grounds.
Fife Council's head of transportation and the Scottish Executive were consulted on the plans and while there was no objection from the local authority, the Executive rejected the application.
Its objection related to road safety as maintenance vehicles would have to be parked on the local unclassified road near to the A92 junction.
Mr Wilson said: "If approved, it will set an undesirable precedent for similar developments elsewhere."
31 August 2005
A PROPOSED mobile mast to the north of Markinch looks set to be refused by councillors.
Vodafone Ltd., has asked Fife Council for permission to install a 14-metre high mast, three antennas and associated equipment cabins on the north side of the A92 junction with Stobcross Road.
The application was due to come before councillors at the Central Area Development Committee Meeting in the Town House, Kirkcaldy yesterday (Tuesday).
A report prepared by planner Stuart Wilson, and placed before the committee, said there are three planning considerations to be looked at - government guidance, the Development Plan and objections received.
Mr Wilson said although the proposed mast was higher than the existing 12-metre high street lamp post, it would not impact on the overall area.
And when looking at the Development Plan, Mr Wilson said the application site is located within a green corridor but as the mast would be installed within the road verge, it would not be detrimental to this.
The proposal is also in accordance with policies relating to design and visual impacts.
But the proposal was recommended for refusal on road safety grounds.
Fife Council's head of transportation and the Scottish Executive were consulted on the plans and while there was no objection from the local authority, the Executive rejected the application.
Its objection related to road safety as maintenance vehicles would have to be parked on the local unclassified road near to the A92 junction.
Mr Wilson said: "If approved, it will set an undesirable precedent for similar developments elsewhere."
31 August 2005
Starmail - 31. Aug, 17:59
