A rethink on a planning application for radio mast at Bray Garda station has been welcomed.

The Irish Times has reported that residents claimed a breakthrough after the Office of Public Works (OPW) confirmed it would no longer seek planning permission for commercial telecommunications equipment on a radio mast.

The OPW built a 32-metre mast at the police station early in 2007 claiming a planning exemption for such equipment.

Under a deal with the State's mobile operators 02, Vodafone and 3, the OPW then allowed mobile phone antennae, cabinets and cables to be installed there.

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The mast, located in the southwest corner of the Garda station grounds, replaced a smaller version at the northern end of the property, which had carried only Garda equipment.

But, residents expressed outrage that the new, higher mast was within metres of their homes and asked Bray Town Council to determine whether the structure was exempt from planning permission.

Bord Pleanála decided the structure was not, after all, exempt development. They found that while the State did agree a planning exemption for Garda masts, and mobile phone companies were allowed to benefit from this exemption, the exemption had limitations.

It ruled that under Telecommunications Antennae and Support Guidelines for local authorities published in 1996, telecommunications infrastructure should be located where possible in industrial estates or on industrially zoned land.

Following the determination by the board, the telecom companies applied to Bray Town Council for planning permission, but this was refused on the grounds the structure would be visually obtrusive and intrusive. The application has now been dropped.

(BMcC/GK)