Arqiva has submitted plans to install new equipment at the Telephone Exchange on Moss Lane to enable them to provide a smart metering network.
The proposal is to erect a slimline pole mounted antenna and cabinet on the rooftop of the telephone exchange, the existing cabinet will be removed from the site.
Arqiva is a designated Electronic Communications Code Network Operator and has been appointed by the Department of Energy & Climate Change to develop the Smart Meter infrastructure network in the north of England and Scotland.
Smart metering is a Government programme being rolled out between 2014 and 2020. Smart Meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters that will offer a range of intelligent functions and provide consumers with more accurate information, bringing an end to estimated billing. Consumers will have near-real time information on their energy consumption to help them control and manage their energy use, save money and reduce emissions.
A community consultation exercise has been undertaken with the local ward councillor for Alderley Edge Ward, the clerk of Alderley Edge Parish Council, Alderley Edge Scouts and Guides hut, Alderley Edge Cricket Club and 52 residential properties.
Councillor Craig Browne raised no objections to the proposal. One local resident raised concerns regarding the amount of equipment already at the site whilst another resident raised issues regarding an existing temporary mast at the site, which is not related to the current proposal.
Other locations have been considered including St Philip's Church but it is not possible to site an antenna and associated equipment within the tower whilst meeting technical requirements. Whilst mature trees at St Pius X Catholic Church would not allow sufficient signal propagation from this site.
Queens Court on London Road was also considered but the pitched roof is not conducive to the siting of telecommunications apparatus and Barrington House was also considered unsuitable from a technical perspective as it is not high enough.
Additionally the Festival Hall was discarded because "The design and size of this building is not conducive to the siting of an omni antenna whilst meeting technical requirements. In addition the building does not represent an existing telecommunications site. To utilise a new building to site telecommunications apparatus would increase the proliferation of telecommunications sites which does not comply with national guidance or local policy."
The application concludes that "The siting of the antenna on the rooftop of an existing well established telecommunications site strikes the best balance between environmental and operational considerations, including the key requirement for the development to be close to the properties it is intended to serve."
The planning application can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for planning reference 16/2775M. The last date for submitting comments is 6th July and a decision is expected by 1st August.
