At the beginning of the month, an application was validated to install “an 18 metre high slim line monopole with 6 antennas, wraparound cabinet at base, 2 equipment cabinets, 1 transmission cabinet and ancillary development” on Bothwell Main Street, next to the war memorial.
Thank you to all the local residents who reached out to me to express their objection to this installation. Please be assured that we agree wholeheartedly on how inappropriate this installation would be, for a number of reasons.
I wrote to the planning department and made the following representation. Thanks to the strength of objections, I would now expect this matter to be dealt with by the Planning Committee.
As the SNP Councillor for Bothwell and Uddingston, I wish to lodge my objection to planning application P/22/1333 – Installation of an 18 metre high slim line monopole with 6 antennas, etc.
I have received a number of calls, emails and social media messages from concerned local residents who are proud of Bothwell’s status as an award-winning and attractive village and conservation area and are worried that this proposed telephone mast will compromise that position. Given the identical mast recently erected on Uddingston Main Street (application P/21/1083), I agree with them on this.
I am wholly in support of the further roll-out of 5G technology. Bothwell and Uddingston residents will know how hard it can be to get a good phone signal in the ward. But respect must be given to the location, placement, and aesthetics of all new communications infrastructure, to ensure they are not detrimental to overall appearance of the area.
The section of Bothwell Main Street this application relates to falls within the bounds of Bothwell Conservation Area and is home to a beautiful 14th century church, a war memorial, and several traditional Old Red Sandstone buildings – an indigenous building material to this area. Beyond these buildings, the Main Street is also lined with ornate, period-design lampposts.
It is my opinion that the proposed structure, a modern multi-antenna communications mast, would clash greatly with the existing buildings and street furniture. This would reduce the visual amenity of the area. I am additionally concerned that the placement of the mast next to a war memorial is not only insensitive but, due to the size of the tower, will dominate the visual landscape and minimise its presence.
We have a number of local community organisations who work hard to make Bothwell a beautiful place to stay and visit. Notably, the Brighter Bothwell group, who have installed flower planters in the vicinity and recently helped secure the village a Gold Award in the Beautiful Scotland competition. Their work should not be undermined.
I understand that the mast needs to have some proximity to the population it intends to serve but it would be more appropriate to place a mast in a location back from the Main Street. Given the volume and strength of objection received both by myself as the local elected representative and on the online planning portal, it is my opinion that this application should not be approved by council officers under delegated powers. Should the application be referred to the Planning Committee, I would hope – given the strength of public opinion in opposition – this application would be denied.
Should you wish to speak to me about this or any other ward matter, the best way to get in touch is Cal.Dempsey@southlanarkshire.gov.uk. You can also leave a message at 01698 455 839, and I’ll call you back.
Cllr Cal Johnston-Dempsey 