12 September 2025 · Planning Committee
39-40, Ballaquane Park, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 1px
The proposal involved erecting three 9m wooden telegraph poles (250-300mm diameter, projecting 7-7.5m above ground) on public footpaths adjacent to boundaries between bungalows and chalet bungalows in Ballaquane Park, a residential cul-de-sac estate in Peel accessed via Rowan Avenue.
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The Planning Committee unanimously rejected the officer's recommendation for approval, determining that the three wooden telegraph poles (9m tall, 250-300mm diameter) and associated overhead cabling w…
General Policy 2
GP2(b) requires appropriate siting and design; (c) protects character and appearance; (h) safeguards amenity. Officer found poles acceptable as standard infrastructure not causing material visual harm, citing precedents and prolific use island-wide. Committee disagreed, ruling height/size/scale in bungalow streetscene with no prior poles causes unacceptable negative impact.
Infrastructure Policy 3
Balances need for communications infrastructure against environmental impacts. Officer weighed strong government-backed necessity for fibre rollout (National Broadband Plan) as outweighing limited visual harm. Committee prioritised environmental/visual impact over need.
Strategic Policy 2 - Priority for new development to identified towns and villages
Site in Peel key centre and residential area supports principle of development.
no significant negative impact upon highway safety, network functionality and/or parking as at least 1.2m footway width is maintained around the poles
Two residents from Ballaquane Park submitted detailed objections to planning application 25/90402/B for the installation of 3 telegraph poles, citing safety risks, visual impact, wildlife concerns, and alternatives like using existing underground ducting.
Key concern: Road traffic accident risk due to obstructed visibility on public footpath
44 Ballaquane Park (joint owner/occupiers)
ObjectionWe both urge the Planning Committee to reject this application by Manx Telecom.; the siting of this pole...will cause a greater risk to the possibility of an accident; massively unsightly & not in keeping with the current established character of the area
4 Ballaquane Park
ObjectionI am writing to object to planning application 25/90402/B; installation of these poles will impact the character and likeability of the street; Why should residents be forced to ensure the installation of intrusive fibre services
