A CONTROVERSIAL application to site a telecommunications mast in an area of outstanding beauty which is a haven to many rare species of wildlife is drawing more and more opposition.

According to applicants, The Home Office, The proposed telecommunications mast at Talsarn Farm would form part of a new national critical communications network being built for the Emergency Services as a replacement for the existing Airwave emergency services communications service.

However, protesters are arguing that such coverage could come from satellites or, at a push, more discrete installations.

There is also a growing feeling among local residents that there is a need for places in the UK, as there are on the continent and in the United States, that are specifically kept off-grid as places where the environment can be kept pristine.

The Home Office stated, ‘Most sites across the country are being provided by EE, but there are a number, usually in the more geographically remote areas of Britain, that are being acquired by the Home Office.

‘The new service will be based on the latest technology, delivering secure and resilient voice communication but also broadband data services.’

However, with almost sixty objections from individuals, pressure groups and from within the administrative corridors of Powys itself, the project is by no means done and dusted.

One Capel-y-Ffin based objector told the Chronicle, ‘There is an opportunity to create a gold standard here; a place where people can still experience the peace and quiet that comes with being off the grid.

‘We have people visiting, many people, expressly because this is one of the few places left where it is possible to simply enjoy the countryside in its untouched and natural state.’

However, the Home Office insist they too have the environment uppermost in their planning, stating, ‘Each site location for the new Emergency Services Network is chosen with a balance in mind between coverage, environmental concerns, power connectivity and ease of build.

‘In some areas it is not unusual for only one site that meets the criteria to be identified. As the new network is focused on providing the emergency services with coverage on roads, some potential sites which might be suitable for commercial operators may not be right for the ESN’s more focused coverage requirements.

An internal Parks Authority memo had stated,’Biodiversity considerations must be taken into account in determining planning applications. Planning permission should be refused if the proposals will result in adverse harm to wildlife that cannot be overcome by adequate mitigation and compensation measures.’

While the Home Office has cited the need for improved emergency service contact they also acknowledge the mast would perform a commercial function, a spokesperson stated, ‘The Government is keen to ensure all new infrastructure for the Emergency Service Network is available to other Mobile Network Operators to maximise commercial coverage available to the public.

‘Subject to local planning authorities granting permission for lattice mast structures (as opposed to monopoles), many of these sites are also expected to support commercial coverage, where commercial operators express an interest in doing so.’

A spokesman for Powys County Highways spokesman stated, ‘There are a number of issues that need to be addressed before the application can be determined positively. I request that an extension of time be agreed until October 24th to allow for the application to be heard at the 23rd October meeting.’