Appeal against Glasson mast refusal 'invalid'

An appeal against Westmeath County Council's decision to refuse planning permission for a 27-metre telecommunications mast in Glasson has been declared 'invalid' by An Bord Pleanála.

Dublin-based firm On Tower Ireland Limited is behind the proposal to install the mast at Pearsonsbrook, about a mile from Glasson village.

A planning application for the mast, which was lodged with the council in May, drew opposition from many local residents, and in its decision on July 10 the council turned down permission for the project.

Among the reasons given by the council for the planning refusal was that the "height, scale and location" of the 27-metre structure would be "visually incongruous" and would "detract" from the Lough Ree area of high amenity.

On Tower Ireland Limited sought to appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála, but according to the planning board's website the appeal was lodged on August 7 and was deemed "invalid" because it was late.

The site for which the telecommunications mast was proposed is situated just off a rural road and walkway known locally as 'The Sweep'.

On Tower Ltd submitted a letter of consent from the landowner, along with a letter of support from the telecommunications giant Three, as part of its application to the county council in May.

However the planning bid attracted seventeen objections from locals, one of which included a petition with 221 names of "members of the local community who strongly oppose the development".