Mobile mast overlooking 'iconic' valley approved

The local community council voiced concerns about the impact on views from the "iconic" Talla Reservoir

Plans for a mobile phone mast overlooking an "iconic" Borders valley have been approved on appeal.

The plans at Quarter Hill near the Talla Reservoir were rejected by Scottish Borders Council (SBC) earlier this year.

However, that decision was taken to the Scottish government's planning and environmental appeals division.

A reporter concluded the development would not "erode the sense of wilderness or remoteness" in the area and has allowed it to go ahead.

The phone mast would be visible from the banks of the reservoir

SBC rejected the plans for the 35m (115ft) tower and its concrete base earlier this year.

Planning officers had recommended approval with a number of conditions attached.

Councillors decided to refuse the application due to its landscape and visual impact.

They were also concerned at the effect on the Tweedsmuir Upland 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 views of Talla Reservoir and the valley in which it sits are iconic and featured in materials promoting the area as a beautiful and unspoilt place to visit," it said.

"It is enjoyed by locals and visitors as a place to walk, cycle, fish, and watch birds.

"The siting of the proposed mast with associated potential negative impact upon the visual landscape will impact upon our ability to attract visitors to the area."

Quarter Hill overlooks the reservoir in the Borders

A reporter examined those concerns alongside letters of support and has now concluded that the benefits of the scheme in terms of mobile phone coverage outweigh any adverse landscape impact.

"I have no doubt that the Talla Reservoir is an important community asset," she said.

"That would remain 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.

She said that improving that coverage would benefit the local community and economy and ruled the mast could be built with conditions attached.