2020-04-30 Ordinary Meeting Agenda

ORDINARY MEETING AGENDA                                                                 30 APRIL 2020


A second visual impact assessment was submitted and again reviewed by Council’s Visual
Assessment Consultant. Despite the reduction in height, the proposed tower was still considered to
result in an unacceptable level of adverse visual amenity on the surrounding area, particularly the
immediate surrounding area. Of the premises that were examined in detail, one property at 298
Tablelands Road would be affected to a greater degree than most. Figure 2 below, indicates the
potential visual impact of the tower illustrated by a temporary installation of a cherry-picker at an
overall height of 25 metres from ground level, in the location of the proposed tower. The proposed
tower would be located approximately 440m from the proposed house site in this location.




 Figure 2: Photograph and commentary from owner of 298 Tablelands Rd from submission to Council received
                                             January 2020

An additional consideration that Council officer’s considered relevant to the assessment of the
application is that, while the proposed 25 metre high tower would be visible from surrounding
properties, if approved, the operation of the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the
Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 2018 enables immunities for extension
of the tower by up to 7 metres in total (including antennae and the like) without returning to Council
for comment or assessment. It is considered that such extension would further exacerbate the
adverse visual impact on the local area.
As a result of Council’s decision to refuse the application, the applicant has now lodged an appeal
to the Planning & Environment Court. The applicant seeks that the development should be approved.
It is in order for Council to defend the appeal and the recommendation is worded accordingly.




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