Lochinver harbour mast relocation plan approved

Controversial plans for a relocation of a television mast at Lochinver harbour have been approved despite seven objections from occupiers of neighbouring properties and also from Assynt Community Council.

An existing mast currently sits on top of the harbour’s old ice house building which is in line for demolition.

Now telecommunications company Arquiva Limited want to position a new 20m ‘slim lattice mast’ along with a cabin and cabinet in a fenced compound, measuring 0.01 hectares, at Culag pier.

Objectors are concerned on visual grounds and say Arquiva has chosen the “easiest/cheapest option” and that there are other, less intrusive locations close by where a new mast could be erected.

But principal planner Dafydd Jones told a meeting of the North Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday that the proposed new mast, which has to have a line of sight to Lewis, was “significantly smaller and less bulky” than the one it was replacing.

He said: “Whilst we understand the concerns raised by residents and the community council, we feel the mast is acceptable.”

North, west and central Sutherland councillor Hugh Morrison said: “I know the area very well and I do think there are better positions for it to go.

“But if you change it from where it is now, people will have the expense of having to get a new aerial or realign their existing aerials.

“I am a great believer in listening to community councils and maybe there could be a better site but we have to determine the application before us and given the size of the building previously and what is going there now, I do not see a material consideration as to why we should refuse it."

Cllr Angela Maclean, Dingwall and Seaforth, said: “I can see from the plans we have and the presentation Mr Jones has given that it will be a slight inconvenience but we have to make a decision on the application in front of us and what is reasonable and I would say it is reasonable to approve this.

“This (the mast) does look thin, although it will not be pretty, but given Hugh’s comments, I think it should be approved.”

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