The Isle of Wight council’s planning department is considering an application for a 20-metre monopole in Sandown aimed at boosting mobile reception for customers of EE and H3G.
The proposed structure would support nine antenna apertures, two 0.3m dishes, and six equipment cabinets. The site is located on land adjacent to 1 Perowne Way, Sandown.
Average monthly user data consumption in 2017 was 1.9gb, mobile data use has been predicted to rise to 90gb per month by 2025.
Initial consultation raised concerns
The local planning authority (LPA) was first consulted on the proposal in October 2023. The feedback received on 26th January 2024 raised concerns about the visual impact of the mast.
The planning officer stated,
“In my opinion, prior approval would not be granted for the development shown on the submitted plans in this location.”
The response highlighted that the area has an ‘edge of town’ character with wide views towards the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It described the proposed development as “highly intrusive” in an area where surrounding buildings are of a low-level domestic scale.
Revised plans submitted
Following the feedback, the applicant developed a new site proposal and revised the design.
The application states that Councillor Ian Ward, The Bay Church of England School, and the Sandown Family Centre were also consulted in November 2024. No responses have been received.
Arqiva raises no objection
The application includes a comment from Arqiva, a company responsible for the UK’s radio transmission network, in support of the proposal.
Arqiva’s statement explains that tall infrastructure, such as wind turbines and masts, can interfere with radio transmission links. The company assessed whether the proposed development would affect its operations.
The statement confirms,
“We have considered whether this development will have any adverse effect on our operations and confirm that we have no objection.”
View the plans
You can view the plans on the council’s planning register (25/00184/16APA).
The public consultation runs until Friday 14th Mar 2025, with a decision due by Friday 28th March 2025.
