The Planning Committee B of Lewisham Council met on Thursday, 16 April 2026, to consider a prior approval application for telecommunications infrastructure. The committee granted prior approval for the installation of a 20-metre-high monopole with associated antennas and equipment on a grass verge at Sanford Street.

Telecommunications Mast at Sanford Street

The committee granted prior approval for the installation of a 20-metre-high monopole, six radio antennas, two transmission dishes, and three equipment cabinets on the grass verge at Sanford Street, New Cross Gate. This application was made under Part 16, Schedule 2 of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) ¹, which limits the council's assessment to the siting and appearance of the proposed development.

During the meeting, Principal Planning Officer Thomas Simnett presented the application, explaining that the development is a replacement for an existing rooftop installation that is due to be removed. He noted that while the monopole would be a prominent feature, its design as a monopole rather than a lattice structure, along with grouped cabinets and proposed colour finishes, would help to reduce its visual impact. Mr Simnett also confirmed that the applicant had explored alternative sites and that pedestrian movement would be maintained.

Local residents, represented by Ibrahim Abdullah, raised objections concerning the mast's siting and appearance, particularly its proximity to a significant local mural, Riders of the Apocalypse by Brian Burns, and its scale in relation to surrounding residential properties. Mr Abdullah argued that the application was based on factually incorrect information regarding heritage assets and that the site selection process was flawed. He also raised concerns about the cumulative impact of this proposal with another identical monopole proposed nearby.

The committee discussed the residents' concerns, with Councillor Rosie Parry acknowledging the importance of the mural. However, the case officer clarified that the proposed mast would not be directly in front of the mural and that there was a significant separation distance, further mitigated by tree coverage. The committee also noted that the application was being considered under a specific framework that limited the scope of assessment to siting and appearance, and that the need for the infrastructure was not a matter for the council to question.

Ultimately, the committee voted unanimously to accept the officers' recommendation to grant prior approval. Councillor Jack Lavery, Chair of the committee, stated that while he recognised the concerns raised by residents, there were no grounds for refusal within the narrow framework of the prior approval process. The decision was made subject to a condition that the monopole be finished in light grey (RAL 7035) and the equipment cabinets in fir green (RAL 6009).