Larger towers to replace teleco masts linking Sark

Currently there are two masts – 23m and 35m tall – at the Fort George Radio Station in Rue de la Douzaine.

Planning permission has been granted to replace these with a 36m-high lattice tower mast, with equipment spread up its height and a security compound around the base.

The masts host harbour communications antennas, the only data and telephone link to Sark, and mobile antennas for all three telecoms companies, as well as taxi and transport radio antennas.

But the plans drew criticism from the Fort George Estate Company, which was concerned that the new structure would be more prominent

‘The visual bulk of the proposed tower is approximately five times that of the current 35m mast,’ it said in a representation to planners, questioning the need for the change.

There were also concerns that trees would not screen the new structure and that it would overshadow homes.

The application came with a confirmation that ICNIRP Public Exposure Guidelines would be conformed to, and the Office of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation did not raise any objections.

In a planning report, planners noted that the development was considered to be of strategic importance and offered connection between other parts of the island and other islands.

‘The purposes of this development is to maintain harbour, taxi and transport communications, communications for Sark and mobile telecommunication equipment, while future-proofing the site by ensuring the replacement mast can accommodate modern, often heavier, equipment and having regard to the extensive use of 4G and the future in 5G,’ they said.

‘This is an existing telecommunication site and the proposal would see the consolidation of two masts into one with mast sharing between multiple providers. Based on evidence available to the authority therefore, there is not a more suitable alternative site for the proposed development.’

The planners noted that the new structure would only be slightly taller than the existing masts.

‘As a result, the visual impact will not significantly change from the existing situation where the masts are partially obscured from Fort Road by the mature landscaping and their remote setting from many houses in this part of the Fort George Estate.’

Sure confirmed there was no timeframe for when the work would take place at this stage.