The local network council has expressed concern about the impact on the outlook from the “iconic” Talla reservoir.
Plans for a cellphone tower overlooking an “iconic” Borders valley were approved on appeal.
Plans for Quarter Hill, near Talla Reservoir, were rejected by the Scottish Borders Council (SBC) earlier this year.
However, this has been appealed to the Scottish Government’s Environmental Planning and Appeals Division.
One journalist concluded that the progression “would not erode the sense of wilderness or remoteness” in the country and made it possible.
Image source, Getty Images
The mast would be visible from the banks of the reservoir
SBC rejected plans for the 35 m (115 ft) tower and its concrete base earlier this year.
Planning officials got approval with a number of conditions.
The councillors decided to reject the request due to its effect on the landscape and visual environment.
They were also involved in the effects on the Tweedsmuir Highlands Special Landscape Area.
The local community council said it feared the mast was part of “progressive industrialisation” and would undermine enjoyment of the area.
“The perspectives of the Talla reservoir and the valley in which it sits are iconic and appear on the fabrics that sell the domain as an unspoiled place to visit,” he said.
“Locals and others enjoy it as a place to hike, bike, fish, and bird watch.
“The location of the proposed flagpole, with its potential negative effect on the visual landscape, will affect our ability to attract visitors to the area. “
Image source, Richard Webb
Quarter Hill overlooks the Borders Reservoir
A reporter reviewed those considerations, as well as the letters of help, and now concluded that the benefits of the task in terms of cell phone policy outweigh any negative effects on the landscape.
“I have no doubt that Talla Reservoir is a network asset,” he said.
“That would be the case even with the proposal.
“The natural environment would for the most part remain unchanged.”
On an inspection of the site, she noted that mobile phone reception was “patchy and non-existent” at times.
He said the advanced policy will bring advantages to the local grid and the economy and ruled that the mast can only be built under certain conditions.
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