Telecoms base station to be built on North Watford roof

Permission was previously refused by Watford Borough Council for the base to be built on a recently built block of flat's roof - where Arriva's Bus Depot used to be in St Albans Road.

This decision around a year ago was appealed in the summer before the planning inspectorate decided in the applicant Cornerstone’s favour yesterday (November 12).

The Arriva bus depot prior to demolition. (Image: Google Street View) It means 12 antennas, four 300mm dishes, six radio equipment cabinets, and three freestanding frames can be put up to replace the installation that had been on the roof of the bus depot prior to its demolition.

When the building was knocked down, the telecoms equipment was relocated to a temporary mast on the development site.

The site prior to the flats being built. In its application, Cornerstone said: “This is not a new additional installation but is a replacement for an original Arriva Bus Depot installation that has been removed.

“The proposed installation is necessary for the continued wireless connectivity and capacity for local businesses, residents and visitors to this busy area of Watford.”

Watford Borough Council rejected the proposal while the building was under construction, although the flats have since been built.

• Garston bus garage plans to be discussed in early September
• New plans to build flats on former Garston bus garage submitted
• Former Arriva bus garage buildings in Garston demolished

It said the installation “had not been sympathetically designed” and “would detract from the character and appearance of the block of flats”.

Weighing the planning balance, the inspector judged that it would conflict with Watford’s development plan but “material considerations indicate that a decision should be made other than in accordance with it”.

After visiting the site, they said that the harm to the character and appearance of the host building would be “limited” and found that there is a “lack of realistic alternative options” to improve the area’s network coverage and capacity to the same degree.

Councillor Glen Saffery said: “The application was refused because the proposed telecommunications equipment was not designed in a way that blends well with the building.

"It was felt that the antennas would negatively affect the appearance of the flats and the surrounding area, making the development look out of place.

“This was seen as a significant issue, going against local and national guidelines that emphasise the importance of good design.

"It is extremely disappointing that local concerns have been overruled by central government inspectors with no connection to Watford”.