Tower Action Group Tower Action Group

Planning Applications



Location: Gorsehill Reservoir Water Tower, Gorsehill Road, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 9JA

This is a list of applications for work on the Water Tower. They are all for mobile phone antennae. The Water Tower is a Grade II listed building and so both planning applications and listed building consent are required for mobile phone masts.

As you can see from this list, over the last few years mobile phone companies have applied to erect masts and antennae with increasing frequency.

The applications in the 1980s and early 1990s were approved and rejected by the planning commitee without any major protest from residents. At that stage there were relatively few antennae on the water tower and no one was aware of the possible health effects.

Since 2000, however, there has been a coordinated protest campaign by local residents against any further development of the tower as a mobile phone base station. For each of the planning applications (even those that are later withdrawn) leaflets have been distributed and petitions have been raised. The fact that residents are willing to sign petition after petition in this respect, and in such large numbers, indicates the strength of feeling against this type of development.

The current list of antennae on the tower is on this page.

To view these applications in detail enter the application number on the Wirral Planning Applications web page.

  • App. number: 20047875 - Orange
    Proposal: Installation of 2 no. 600mm. telecommunications microwave dishes.
    Date received: 18/January/2005 Comments wanted by: 24/February/2005
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: Mono Consultants Ltd
    Victoria Building, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4DF
    Decision: No decision
  • App. number: 20047876 - Orange
    Proposal: Installation of 2 no. 600mm. telecommunications microwave dishes.
    Date received: 18/January/2005 Comments wanted by: 24/February/2005
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Mono Consultants Ltd
    Victoria Building, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4DF
    Decision: No decision
  • App. number: 20045120 - BT Cellnet
    Proposal: Relocation of 2 no. antennas, remounting of 4 no. antennas and painting of all external apparatus by a specialist contractor to match stonework
    Date received: 2/February/2004 Comments wanted by: 11/March/2004
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Mono Consultants Ltd
    Victoria Building, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4DF
    Decision: Approve
  • App. number: 20045123 - BT Cellnet
    Proposal: Relocation of 2 no. antennas, remounting of 4 no. antennas and painting of all external apparatus by a specialist contractor to match stonework
    Date received: 2/February/2004 Comments wanted by: 11/March/2004
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Mono Consultants Ltd
    Victoria Building, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4DF
    Decision: Approve

    Council Minutes from the meeting of 18 March 2004, Minute 523

    Minute Text :
    The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development submitted the above application for consideration.

    Minute Decision :
    Resolved - That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:

    1. The antennae, external fixing brackets and associated cables shall be finished to match the stonework of the listed building in accordance with the sample received by the Local Planning Authority on 11th March 2004 within 28 days of the date of this Planning Permission.
    2. The telecommunications antennae and associated development shall be removed from the site and any damage made good within 28 days of it being no longer required for telecommunications purposes.
    3. The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the details shown on the plan(s) received by the Local Planning Authority on 16th March 2004.

  • App. number: 20036323 - Hutchinson 3G
    Proposal: 5 GRP replacement windows to enable internal telecommunications works.
    Date received: 23/September/2003 Comments wanted by: 30/October/2003
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Mono Consultants
    Victoria Building, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M24 DF
    Decision: Refuse
    At Stage: appeal received 11 June 2004
  • App. number: 20036328 - Hutchinson 3G
    Proposal: Internal installation of 3.antenna, 2 microwave dishes, cabinet with ancillary equipment and 5 GRP replacement windows.
    Date received: 23/September/2003 Comments wanted by: 30/October/2003
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Mono Consultants
    Victoria Building, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M24 DF
    Decision: Refuse
    At Stage: appeal received 11 June 2004

    Council Minutes from the meeting of 12 November 2003, Minute 267

    Minute Text :
    The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development submitted the above application for consideration.

    A petitioner addressed the meeting.

    The applicant's agent addressed the meeting.

    A ward councillor addressed the meeting. On a motion by the Chair seconded by Councillor Elderton it was:-
    Minute Decision :
    Resolved - That the application be refused for the following reasons:-

    1. The proposal would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the Grade II listed building, and would be contrary to policy CH1, TEL1 and TE1 of the Wirral UDP.

  • App. number: 20035700 - T Mobile
    Proposal: Installation of 4no. antenna 1no. transmission dish fixed to the water tower, with equipment, housed within the tower and ancillary development
    Date received: 24/March/2003 Comments wanted by: 22/May/2003
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: Whp Wilkinson Helsby
    Victoria House, Golborne Street, Warrington, WA1 1XD
    Decision: Refuse
    At Stage: appeal rejected.
  • App. number: 20035698 - T Mobile
    Proposal: Installation of 4no. antenna 1no. transmission dish fixed to the water tower, with equipment, housed within the tower and ancillary development
    Date received: 24/March/2003 Comments wanted by: 22/May/2003
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Whp Wilkinson Helsby
    Victoria House, Golborne Street, Warrington, WA1 1XD
    Decision: Refuse
    At Stage: appeal rejected.

    Council Minutes from the meeting of 5 June 2003, Minute 50

    The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development submitted the above application for consideration. A Ward Councillor addressed the Committee.

    On a motion by Councillor Holbrook, seconded by Councillor Corcoran, it was -

    Minute Decision :
    Resolved - That the application be refused for the following reasons:-

    1. The proposed development would result in excessive concentration of telecommunications equipment on the water tower which would create a cluttered appearance to the detriment of the character of the Grade II listed building. This is contrary to Policy CH1 (Development Affecting Listed Buildings and Structures) TEL1 (Principles for Telecommunications) and Policy TE1(Criteria for Telecommunications Apparatus).
    2. The proposed development would be visually obtrusive, which the Local Planning Authority considers would be seriously detrimental to the appearance and character of a Grade II listed building. This is contrary to Policy CH1 (Development Affecting Listed Buildings and Structures), TEL1 (Principles for Telecommunications) and Policy TE1 (Criteria for Telecommunications Apparatus) of the Wirral Unitary Development Plan.
    3. The Local Planning Authority considers sufficient information has not been provided to demonstrate a proper search has been carried out to identify alternative sites for the proposed development. This is contrary to National Planning Guidance PPG8.

  • App. number: 20027325 - Hutchinson 3G UK
    Proposal: Installation of 3no antennas, 2no 600mm microwave dishes, an internal equipment cabinet and development ancillary thereto
    Date received: 11 November 2002 Comments wanted by: 12 December 2002
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: James Barr Consultants
    Victoria Buildings, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4DF
    Decision: Refuse
  • App. number: 20027271 - Hutchinson 3G UK
    Proposal: Installation of 3no antennas, 2no 600mm microwave dishes, an internal equipment cabinet and development ancillary thereto
    Date received: 11 November 2002 Comments wanted by: 12 December 2002
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: James Barr Consultants
    Victoria Buildings, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4DF
    Decision: Refuse

    Council Minutes from the meeting of 9 January 2003, Minute 313/315

    Minute Decision :
    Resolved - That the application be refused for the following reasons:-

    1 The proposed development would result in excessive concentration of telecommunications equipment on the water tower which would create a cluttered appearance to the detriment of the character of the Grade II Listed Building. This is contrary to Policy CH1 (Development Affecting Listed Buildings and Strictures) TEL1 (Principles for Telecommunications) and Policy TE1.

    2 The proposed development would be visually obtrusive which the Local Planning Authority considers would be seriously detrimental to the appearance and character of a grade II listed building. This is contrary to Policy CH1 (Development Affecting Listed Buildings and Structures) TEL1 (Principles for Telecommunications) and Policy TE1 (Criteria for Telecommunications Apparatus) of the Wirral Unitary Development Plan.

    Footnote :
    A Petitioner addressed the committee.
    A Ward Councillor addressed the committee.

  • App. number: 20025735 - Orange Plc.
    Proposal: Erection of 6 no.antennae, 4 no.600mm microwave dishes and ancillary development to replace existing telecommunications equipment.
    Date received: 16 July 2002 Comments wanted by: 15 August 2002
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: James Barr Consultants Ltd
    Victoria Buildings, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4DF
    Decision: Refuse
    At Stage: Passed on appeal.
  • App. number: 20025728 - Orange Plc.
    Proposal: Erection of 6 no.antennae, 4 no.600mm microwave dishes and ancillary development to replace existing telecommunications equipment.
    Date received: 15 July 2002 Comments wanted by: 15 August 2002
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: James Barr Consultants Ltd
    Victoria Buildings, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4DF
    Decision: Refuse
    At Stage: Passed on appeal.

    Council Minutes from the meeting of 23 January 2003, Minutes 319/320

    The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development submitted the above application for consideration.

    It was moved by Councillor Irving and seconded by Councillor Elderton that the application be refused for the following reasons:-

    1 The proposed development would result in excessive concentration of telecommunication equipment on the water tower which would have a cluttered appearance to the detriment of the character of the Grade II Listed Building. This is contrary to Policy CH1 (Development Affecting Listed Buildings and Structures), Policy TEL1 and Policy TE1 of the Wirral UDP.

    2 The proposed development would be visually obtrusive which the Local Planning Authority considers would be seriously detrimental to the appearance and character of the Grade II Listed Building. This is contrary to Policies CH1 (Development Affecting Listed Building and Structures), TEL1 (Principles for Telecommunications) and Policy TE1 (Criteria for Telecommunication Apparatus) of the Wirral UDP.

    The motion was put and carried 8:4.

    Minute Decision :
    Resolved - (8:4) That the application be refused for the following reasons:-

    1 The proposed development would result in excessive concentration of telecommunication equipment on the water tower which would have a cluttered appearance to the detriment of the character of the Grade II Listed Building. This is contrary to Policy CH1 (Development Affecting Listed Buildings and Structures), Policy TEL1 and Policy TE1 of the Wirral UDP.

    2 The proposed development would be visually obtrusive which the Local Planning Authority considers would be seriously detrimental to the appearance and character of the Grade II Listed Building. This is contrary to Policies CH1 (Development Affecting Listed Building and Structures), TEL1 (Principles for Telecommunications) and Policy TE1 (Criteria for Telecommunication Apparatus) of the Wirral UDP.

  • App. number: 20025783 - Hutchinson 3G UK
    Proposal: Erection of 3 no. antennas, 2 no. 600mm. microwave dishes, 1 no. 300mm. microwave dish and equipment cabinet.
    Date received: 30 April 2002 Comments wanted by: 6 June 2002
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: James Barr Consultants Limited
    Victoria Building, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4DF
    Decision: Withdrawn
  • App. number: 20025781 - Hutchinson 3G UK
    Proposal: Erection of 3 no. antennas, 2 no. 600mm. microwave dishes, 1 no. 300mm. microwave dish and equipment cabinet.
    Date received: 30 April 2002 Comments wanted by: 6 June 2002
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: James Barr Consultants Limited
    Victoria Building, 1-7 Princess Street, Manchester, M2 4DF
    Decision: Withdrawn
  • App. number: 20025100 - BT Cellnet Ltd
    Proposal: Removal of 6 no TACS and 5 no OMNI antennae from water tower and erection of 3 no 2G and 3 no 3G antennae and associated equipment
    Date received: 17 January 2002 Comments wanted by: 21 February 2002
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: G P N Acquisition
    Barleycastle Trading Estate, Lyncastle Road, Appleton, Warrington, WA4 4SN
    Decision: Approve
  • App. number: 20025089 - BT Cellnet Ltd
    Proposal: Erection of 3 no 2G and 3 no 3G antennae and associated equipment, to replace 6 TACS antennae and 5 OMNI antennae.
    Date received: 16 January 2002 Comments wanted by: 21 February 2002
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: G P N Acquisition
    Barleycastle Trading Estate, Lyncastle Road, Appleton, Warrington, WA4 4SN
    Decision: Approve

    Council Minutes from the meeting of 14 March 2002 - Planning Committee Meeting
    Chair: PJ Corcoran
    Councillors:  SA Brown, JA Crabtree, DM Elderton, GJ Ellis,
    MJ Green, Mrs J Hall, SA Holbrook, PSC Johnson,
    Mrs HJ Jones, GD Mitchell, MJ Moore, ED Prout,
    DE Roberts, PA Smith
    Deputy : RK Moon (for Cllr Mrs PM Williams)
    WD Nock (for Cllr IO Coates)

    Minute 505 - 20025089 - Gorsehill Reservoir Gorsehill Road New Brighton - Erection of 3 no 2G and 3 no 3G antennae and associated equipment, to replace 6 TACS antennae and 4 OMNI antennae

    Minute Text:
    The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development submitted the above application for consideration.

    Minute Decision :
    Resolved - (16:1) That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:-

    1. The development to which this permission relates must be begun not later than the expiration of five years from the date of this permission.
    2. No development shall commence until full details and samples of the finished materials for the antennae and associated equipment, cables and fittings etc have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The agreed finished materials shall be applied at or before the time of installation an shall be maintained as such thereafter.
    3. The development hereby granted permission shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the details and plans hereby approved and shall not be varied other than by prior agreement in writing with the Local Planning Authority.
    4. The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the details shown on the plan received by the Local Planning Authority on 13th March 2002.
    5 The 6 TACS antennae and 5 OMNI antennae shall be removed concurrently and any damage made good.

    Footnote :
    A petitioner addresssed the committee.
    A Ward Councillor addressed the committee.
    The applicant's agent addressed the committee.

  • App. number: 20017230 - One 2 One Personal Communications
    Proposal: To erect 3 pole mounted cross polar antenna, 1 transmission dish and a handrail on the water tower, and internal equipment room.
    Date received: 30 November 2001 Comments wanted by: 3 January 2002
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: Sylvia Burr
    WHP Projects Ltd, Evans Business Centre, Monckton Road, Wakefield, WF2 7AS
    Decision: Refuse
  • App. number: 20017060 - One 2 One Personal Communications
    Proposal: To erect 3 pole mounted cross polor antenna, 1 transmission dish and a handrail on the roof top of the water tower.
    Date received: 27 November 2001 Comments wanted by: 3 January 2002
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Sylvia Burr
    WHP Projects Ltd, Evans Business Centre, Monckton Road, Wakefield, WF2 7AS
    Decision: Refuse
  • App. number: 20015934 - Dolphin Telecommunications
    Proposal: Installation of 3 sector antennae and 2 600mm microwave dishes.
    Date received: May 2001 Comments wanted by:
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Spectra Telecommunications (UK) ltd
    Decision: Refuse
  • App. number: 20006239 - Dolphin Telecommunications
    Proposal: Erection of 3 sector antennas, 2 no. 600mm. microwave dishes and an equipment cabin.
    Date received: 31 July 2000 Comments wanted by: 24 August 2000
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Spectra Telecom (UK) Ltd
    1st Floor , The Lodge, Tannery Court, Tannery Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NA
    Decision: Refuse
  • App. number: 20006238 - Dolphin Telecommunications
    Proposal:Erection of 3 sector antennas, 2 no. 600mm. microwave dishes and an internal equipment cabin.
    Date received: 21 July 2000 Comments wanted by: 17 August 2000
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: Spectra Telecom (UK) Ltd
    Decision: Conditionally allowed appeal determined
  • App. number: 20006954 - Vodafone Limited
    Proposal: Six antennae and ancillary equipment
    Date received: 6 December 2000 Comments wanted by:
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: GVA Grimley
    10 Stratton Street London
    Decision: Withdrawn
  • App. number: 20006527 - Vodafone Limited
    Proposal: Erection of 6 antennae on tower and equipment cabin located internally within tower
    Date received: 25 September 2000 Comments wanted by: 26 October 2000
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: GVA Grimley
    10 Stratton Street, London, W1X 6JR
    Decision: Withdrawn
  • App. number: 20005762 - Dolphin Telecommunications
    Proposal: Erection of 3 sector antennas 2 parabolic antennas
    Date received: 11 May 2000 Comments wanted by:8 June 2000
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Spectra Telecom (UK) Ltd
    1st Floor , The Lodge, Tannery Court, Tannery Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NA
    Decision: Withdrawn
  • App. number: 20005755 - Dolphin Telecommunications
    Proposal: Erection of 3 sector antennas 2 parabolic antennas and 1 internal equipment cabin
    Date received: 28 April 2000 Comments wanted by: 8 June 2000
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: Spectra Telecom (UK) Ltd
    1st Floor , The Lodge, Tannery Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NA
    Decision: Withdrawn
  • App. number: 19976031 -
    Proposal: Installation of telecommunications equipment and control cabin.
    Date received: 30 June 1997 Comments wanted by: 7 August 1997
    Application Type: Listed Building Consent
    Contact: Property Tectonics,
    Bridge Mills, Holland Street , Pendleton , Salford. M6 6EL
    Decision: Approve
  • App. number: 19976019 -
    Proposal: Installation of telecommunications equipment and control cabin.
    Date received: 30 June 1997 Comments wanted by: 7 August 1997
    Application Type: Full Planning Permission
    Contact: Property Tectonics,
    Bridge Mills, Holland Street , Pendleton , Salford. M6 6EL
    Decision: Approve
  • W/TDS/94/510/E 6 sector antennae
    Date: 7 February 1994
    Decision: Refuse
  • LBC/93/6805/E 6 Sector antennae
    Date: 7 January 1993
    Decision: Appeal dismissed on grounds of clutter and effect on appearance of building
  • TEL/93/6805/E 6 Sector antennae
    Date: 16 December 1993
    Decision: Approve
  • LBC/89/6199/N Aerials around roof
    Date: 15 August 1989
    Decision: Approve
Author: Tower Action Group <tag at emit.demon.co.uk>
Modified: 2005-01-27 16:28:57