Controversial plans for a 5G telecoms mast near Dunblane Primary School have been rejected by Stirling Council planners.
The proposed installation, featuring an H3G 15-metre high street pole and additional equipment cabinets, had been earmarked for land opposite 38 Murdoch Terrace.
However, the proposal sparked objections from residents and Mid-Scotland and Fife Tory regional MSP Alexander Stewart.
While the applicants said the installation would be safe and would improve network coverage, 14 objections were lodged citing concerns over how it would look and alleging potential health risks.
In their decision, council planners said: “While it is understandable that health concerns can be raised with new technology, planning is limited with what can be assessed. The Scottish Government’s policy is clear that perceived health issues in relation to telecommunications cannot be considered as material in determining planning applications.
“An ICNIRP declaration of conformity has been submitted with this application which confirms the proposal is in full compliance with the minimum requirements of the radio frequency public exposure guidelines.
“Views from residential properties are not protected and do not constitute a material planning consideration.”
However, they added: “The 15m high pole will supersede the height of the mature trees and dominate and detract from the visual amenity of the area.
“The initially submitted prior notification was found to be in line with Class 67 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992 (as amended).
“However, due to the number of objections in relation to siting and appearance of the proposal, the Prior Approval mechanism was triggered to allow further detailed assessment.
“The proposed site of the new mast was identified as required to allow coverage of a current blackout area for 5G connectivity within the Dunblane area.
“The proposed location of the mast is along a quiet residential street, situated to the east and set back from the road, within a grassed landscaping strip/verge with mature trees and hedging, and behind this (east) there is an area of large open space which encompasses the primary school grounds and kids club.
“Additionally, the positioning of the mast is almost directly opposite the entrance to a cul-de-sac of four residential properties, and features a number of additional dwellings along the street, and whilst no dwellings have their principal elevation directly facing the mast, the mast would be a dominant feature not only towards the end of the cul-de-sac but to the southern entrance to the street, which would interrupt the positive and welcoming sense of place created by the mature trees and open/recreational space.
“Although there are other street furniture in the area consisting of street lamps, these are more than half the height of the proposed mast. The introduction of the large and dominating equipment would be alien and obtrusive to the nature of the area.
“Furthermore, the mast has been situated nearby mature trees in order to minimise visual disruption, however it is considered that the height of the mast would still be significantly higher than that of the height of the trees, resulting in an obtrusive visual impact and affecting the pleasant sense of place.”
Alexander Stewart MSP said he was “delighted” the application had been refused, adding: “Right from the start I did not believe that such an installation should have been taking place at all in such close proximity to a school with young children.
“I commend Stirling Council’s Planning & Building Standards Department for doing the right thing and refusing this particular application.”
A Three spokesperson said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Dunblane.
“We want to offer the local area a great network experience and our planners determined that these new sites were required to deliver it.
“While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be situated near to where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.
“We are actively engaging in discussions with the local planning authority to consider our options.”
