9.4.2 PROPOSED 40 METRE
LATTICE TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT – LOT 6 MUNGEDAR ROAD,
DANDARAGAN
Location: Lot 6
Mungedar Road, Dandaragan
Applicant: Daly
International on behalf of Crown Castle Australia (CCA) and Western Australian Police (WAPOL)
Folder Path:
Development Services App / Development Application / 2014 / 23
Disclosure of
Interest: None
Date: 11 June
2014
Author: Barbara
Macaulay, Planning Officer
Signature of Author:
Senior Officer:
David Chidlow, Manager of Planning
Signature of Senior
Officer:
PROPOSAL
The proponent is seeking planning approval for a
communication facility at Lot 6 Mungedar road, Dandaragan. The subject land is zoned
rural and under private ownership. The proposal is one of three proposed communication
facilities in the Shire of Dandaragan. This proposal includes:
·
An overall height of 43.2m (40m lattice
tower-unpainted galvanised finish, two dishes one will 1.2m dia the other will
be 1.8m dia installed between 15m – 38m height, plus antenna)
·
Western Australian Police (WAPOL) radio
transmission equipment
·
WAPOL prefabricated equipment shelter
·
Two clusters of six solar panels
BACKGROUND
WAPOL has engaged Crown Castle Australia (CCA) to build a number
of communication facilities which will form part of the Community Safety
Network. The Network is fully funded under Royalties for Regions and will bring
together WA Police, the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) and the Department
of Corrective Services (DCS) under one common infrastructure network, managed
by WAPOL. Communication will be across a shared, purpose-built, secure network
for the first time.
The process for planning a new telecommunication facility is
a complex process and the proponent has considered the following issues:
·
Radiofrequency coverage
·
Low-impact and co-location opportunities
·
Availability of suitable sites
·
Planning, environmental and heritage
considerations
·
Engineering criteria and construction
considerations.
Site Description
To meet coverage requirements the search for suitable sites
was limited to the top of the hill. The proposed facility is located on the
highest hill in the area (364m AHD), 19km south-east of Badgingarra and
approximately 17km north of Dandaragan and will be setback 4.7km from North West
Road and 4.6km from Badgingarra Road. The nearest dwelling is 3.5km. The site
is easily accessible and the property owner is happy to proceed.
The proposed facility will be located on a fenced off area
not used for agricultural purposes and will require the removal of five small trees.
The facility will be enclosed within a secure compound measuring 10m x 10m
(100m2).
Construction details
The site will be accessed by an existing gravel track on the
property. The total construction period will be approximately ten weeks. Once
operational, the facility will be unstaffed and will require maintenance work
once a year for one day. Construction works will occur between 7am and 7pm.
COMMENT
Under the Telecommunication Act 1997 telecommunication facilities
considered to be ‘low impact’ are not required to obtain planning approval.
Telecommunication towers are not listed as low-impact and hence planning approval
is sought. In assessing the proposal consideration has been given to ensure the
proposal is consistent with the objectives and permitted uses within the Shire’s
Local Planning Scheme No7 and the provisions contained within Planning Policy
5.2 Telecommunication Infrastructure (SPP 5.2)
Shire of Dandaragan Local Planning Scheme No7
The proposed telecommunication facility is a use not listed
under the LPS7 Zoning Table. As a use not listed, in accordance with Clause
9.4.3 of the Scheme, notice of the proposed development was advertised to
adjoining landowners that may be affected by the development. No objections
have been received from adjoining neighbours.
As a use not listed, and in accordance with Clause 4.4.2 of
the Scheme, Council is to either:
a) Determine that the use is consistent with the objectives
of the particular zone and is therefore permitted;
b) Determine that the use may be consistent with the
objectives of the particular zone and thereafter follow the advertising procedures
of clause 9.4 in considering an application for planning approval; or
c) Determine that the use is not consistent with the
objectives of the particular zone and is therefore not permitted.
The subject land and adjoining lots are currently zoned
‘Rural’ under the Shire’s Local Planning Scheme No. 7 (LPS7). The objective of
the Rural zone in the Scheme is:
“To provide for a
range of rural activities such as broadacre and diversified farming so as to
retain the rural character and amenity of the locality, in such a way as to
prevent land degradation and further loss of biodiversity”.
It is considered the proposal is consistent with the
objectives of the Rural zone.
State Planning Policy 5.2 Telecommunication Infrastructure SPP
5.2 provides a framework for the preparation, assessment and determination of
applications for planning approval of telecommunication facilities. The Policy
states telecommunication infrastructure should be located, sited and designed
in accordance with 15 Guiding Principles. The applicant has addressed these principles
in their planning application and a copy is provided in the attachments.
In determining the application SPP 5.2 state the local
government should have regard to the “extent to which the proposal contribute to
the social and economic benefit of affordable and convenient access to modern
telecommunication services for people and businesses throughout the State”. The
proposed facility will enable WAPOL to use a more effective and modern communication
network and will also benefit the community by providing a more informed,
responsive and coordinated law enforcement and public safety service in
regional population areas.
Given the social and economic benefit of the proposal and
its location in the Rural zone well away from sensitive land uses, it is the
Planning Officer recommendation that Council grant approval.
CONSULTATION
Notice of the proposed development was advertised to
adjoining and potentially impacted neighbouring landowners. The advertising
period was 5 May and closed on the 26 May 2014. No objections were received.
STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT
·
Local Planning Scheme No 7.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
·
State Planning Policy 5.2 Telecommunication
Infrastructure
FINANCIAL
IMPLICATIONS
The applicant has paid a planning application fee of $640
STRATEGIC
IMPLICATIONS
·
Shire of Dandaragan Integrated Strategic
Community Plan
5.15.1 GOAL NUMBER
ONE: Strong Economic Base and Enabling Infrastructure
OBJECTIVE 2:
Ensure timely provision of essential and strategic infrastructure to ensure
investment and growth for the Shire is maximised
CODE: G1-O2-A11
STRATEGIES:
Telecommunications:
·
Upgrade existing telecommunications system to
allow for higher speed internet access through high speed broadband via
wireless;
·
Support planning for demand driven bids for
National Broadband Network;
·
Support mobile tower program for region; and
·
Develop digital strategy sub-region (Wheatbelt
Development Commission).
LINKS: Community
workshops, Super-Towns Growth Plan
TIME FRAME: Short
- Medium - Short - Short
SCOPE: District –
Coastal - District
PARTNERS: NBN, WDC
ATTACHMENTS
Circulated with the agenda are the following Items relevant
to this report:
·
Plans (Doc Id: 29307)
·
Location Plan (Doc Id: 29308)
·
Applicant response to State Planning Policy 5.2
(Doc Id: 29310)
(Marked 9.4.2)
VOTING REQUIREMENT
Simple majority
OFFICER
RECOMMENDATION
That Council determines that the use “Telecommunications Tower”
is consistent with the objectives of the “Rural” zone and is therefore
permitted under section 4.4.2 of the Shire of Dandaragan Local Planning Scheme
and grants planning approval for a telecommunication facility at Lot 6 Mungedar
road, Dandaragan subject to the following conditions:
1. All development shall accord with the Development Application
prepared by Daly International and subject to any modifications required as a
consequence of any condition (s) of approval;
2. All development shall be in accordance with the attached plans
date stamped 15 April 2014 subject to any modification required as a
consequence of any conditions of this approval and shall not be altered without
the prior written approval of the local government;
3. The use and development must be conducted so that it has minimum
impact on the amenity of the area by reason of:
·
Transportation of materials, goods and
commodities to and from the premises;
·
Appearance of any buildings, works and
materials; and
·
The emission of noise, vibration, dust,
wastewater, waste products or reflected light;
4. The proposed solar panels must meet all relevant
Australian Standards for construction and reflection to minimise any glare
impacts;
5. Shire of Dandaragan is to be advised of completion of the
facility
ADVICE NOTES:
Note 1: The applicant be advised this is planning approval only
and not a building permit. A building permit must be obtained for this
development.
Note 2: If the development the subject of this approval is
not substantially commenced within a period of 2 years, or such other period as
specified in the approval after the date of the determination, the approval shall
lapse and be of no further effect.
Note 3: Where an approval has so lapsed, no development
shall be carried out without the further approval of the local government
having first been sought and obtained.
Note 4: The applicant be advised that “should you be aggrieved
by this decision, or any conditions imposed, there is a Right of Review under
the Planning and Development Act 2005. An application for Review must be
submitted in accordance with Part XIV of the Planning and Development Act
within 28 days of the date of this decision to:
The State Administrative Tribunal
GPO Box U1991
PERTH WA 6845”
