2020-02-11 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                  11 FEBRUARY 2020


REPORT
1.    PROPOSAL
Original Proposal
The applicant originally proposed to install a new fixed wireless NBN facility which consists of a 35
metre monopole with a dish antenna and 5 panel antennas. The overall height with the antennas
resulted in a total tower height of 36 metres. Ancillary equipment associated with the operation of
the facility is included in the proposal consisting of outdoor cabinets at ground level, cabling, bird-
proofing, electrical and air-conditioning equipment. The facility would be accessed by a track
entering from the existing site access and deviating from the internal driveway directly to the
proposed tower site.
The original application indicates that the facility was designed to provide wireless coverage to
approximately 360 premises in Cooran, Pinbarren, Pomona and Traveston. This number has since
been indicated by the applicant as being closer to 277 premises. The proposed location of the
tower on the subject site is illustrated in Figure 1 – Subject site and proposed tower location.
A Visual Impact Assessment Report submitted with the application provides the applicant’s
response to visual amenity considerations outlined in the planning scheme.




                           Figure 1 – Subject site and proposed tower location

Amended Proposal
In response to submissions received during public notification and Council officer’s concerns with
respect to visual amenity impacts, the applicant amended the height of the monopole to 25 metres
(plus antenna) resulting in an overall height of 26 metres. The applicant determined that at this
height the tower was still viable, servicing approximately 247 premises located in Cooran and parts
of Pinbarren, Pomona and Traveston.
A second Visual Impact Assessment Report addressing the revised tower height was provided in
support of the changed proposal. A detail survey plan was also provided clarifying which trees
would be removed.




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