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.

Installation of Telecommunications Monopole on 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 proposal, explaining that the development is a replacement for an existing rooftop installation that is due to be removed due to redevelopment. Mr. Simnett 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. He also confirmed that the applicant had explored alternative sites and that the proposed location on the grass verge would not impede pedestrian movement.

Local residents raised objections, primarily focusing on the visual impact of the 20-metre mast in a residential area and its proximity to a significant local mural, Riders of the Apocalypse by Brian Burns. Ibrahim Abdullah, speaking on behalf of residents, argued that the application was based on factually incorrect information regarding heritage assets and that the mast's scale was out of proportion with the surrounding two- and three-storey properties. He also questioned the thoroughness of the site selection process.

Councillor Rosie Parry acknowledged the concern regarding the mural, stating, I do take the point about having something directly in front of it being, you know, obviously, like, when, especially because the mural is often viewed from down the road. However, the case officer clarified that the proposed mast would not be directly in front of the mural and would have a separation distance, also noting that tree coverage would limit direct views.

The committee discussed the limited scope of a prior approval application, with Councillor Jack Lavery, Chair of the committee, remarking, I think it's worth pointing out that the application in front of us is quite different from applications we see at planning committees normally. We're operating in a very different kind of framework.

Ultimately, the committee voted unanimously to accept the officers' recommendation to grant prior approval. The decision was made based on the assessment that the proposed siting and appearance were acceptable within the narrow framework of the GPDO, and that the identified harms did not outweigh the merits of the proposal, including the need for replacement infrastructure and the applicant's exploration of alternatives. A condition was imposed requiring the monopole to be finished in light grey (RAL 7035) and the equipment cabinets in fir green (RAL 6009) to ensure visual amenity.