A decision to refuse planning permission for a phone mast in Shercock has been upheld by An Bórd Pleanála.
OnTower limited attempted to argue that since previous works didn't progress, the application was valid. The planning application submitted to Cavan County Council called for the construction of a 24 metre high communications mast at Lecks, Shercock. It would include carrying dishes and antennae surrounded by a 2.4 metre high fence. Cavan County Council initially refused permission in July last year, highlighting that the applicants had failed to justify a need for the mast in the area. OnTower subsequently appealed this decision to An Bórd Pleanála. Planning history shows attached in the Inspector's report shows planning permission was previously granted for a similar development, however works have still not progressed. In it's appeal of the decision, OnTower limited argued that works on the previously granted tower won't be progressed within the lifetime of the permission, which is 2027. They also state that they would allow space to other operators in the area, and they would not deploy unnecessary duplicate structures as it would cause interference.
An Bórd Pleanála agreed with the assessment of Cavan County Council and upheld it's decision to refuse permission for the development.
They stated that since the operator was previously granted for another tower in the area, that permission is still live, and could cause clustering if this one was allowed to proceed.
