PROPOSED COMMUNICATIONS MAST IN CAR PARK – MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTORS

To all Members

COMMUNICATIONS MAST IN REDHILL BOWLING CLUB (RBC) CAR PARK

We need to inform you of a proposed significant development at RBC.

The Directors have been approached by Railsite Telecom Ltd. acting for Cellnex UK Ltd. who have identified our car park as a possible site for a 25 metre high communications mast to improve mobile device connectivity on the London – Brighton Main Line. For more background information see the Main Contractor’s Statement below.

We had two options: –

  • To negotiate the best deal we could achieve
  • To have notice served on us under current legislation – the Electronic Communications Code – which is basically compulsory purchase with compensation determined by a tribunal – see the Footnote below for a more detailed description

The Directors decided to follow the first option as being clearly in the best interests of RBC. Negotiations have taken place with a specialist Solicitor and Surveyor acting on our behalf at no cost to RBC. A legal agreement is now being finalised, with RBC to receive a one-off payment for disruption and to cover site supervision costs; plus an annual rental of £3,500 with regular reviews for inflation.

Tests are being carried out to check ground conditions and planning approval has yet to be obtained for the mast and compound (plan dimensions 11.5 m by 7.5 m) in the north-west corner of the car park by the Entrance Gates. So it is not yet certain when and if it will proceed. If it does we will lose 4 car parking spaces.

The Directors will be pleased to answer any questions on this matter at the Club AGM on 20th October.

Regards

Paul Eales

Chairman,  RBC Directors                                                   1st October 2022

 

Main Contractor’s Statement:

“ADComms is pleased to announce that it will become the main contractor for on rail works and support services, as part of a 25-year concessionary contract awarded by Network Rail to Cellnex UK last month, to transform mobile phone coverage along the route.

 

ADComms will install and maintain a range of infrastructure on the rail network, utilising the latest technologies that will support continuous mobile connectivity from London Victoria and London Bridge stations, via Clapham Junction and East Croydon. Increased services along the entire route to Brighton will benefit both rail passengers and line-side neighbours, by driving local economic growth, supporting local small businesses and promoting digital inclusion.

 

The Brighton Mainline service runs 51 miles from London to the South Coast, through some of the UK’s most densely populated areas. At its busiest, Brighton Mainline and its branch lines carry 1700 trains and around 300000 passengers every day. Currently, mobile internet and connectivity between London and Brighton can vary – from a strong signal – to no connectivity at all, because of the topography and the many tunnels and cuttings along the route.

ADComms will deploy on behalf of Cellnex UK:

 

  • On rail towers that will allow broadcasting of mobile signal along the railway;
  • A small number of base station hotels (equipment rooms) within close proximity to the railway, to house telecoms equipment;
  • High-capacity fibre running from Victoria and London Bridge stations via East Croydon to Brighton; and
  • Bespoke radio equipment to provide uninterrupted coverage in the main London stations, as well as the tunnels and cuttings along the route.”

 

 

 

 

 

Footnote:

The Electronic Communications Code (the Code) is set out in Schedule 3A of the Communications Act 2003. It is a set of rights that are designed to facilitate the installation and maintenance of electronic communications networks.

The Code confers rights on providers of such networks and on providers of systems of infrastructure to install and maintain apparatus on, under and over land and results in considerably simplified planning procedures.

For more information go to the OFCOM website:

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/information-for-industry/policy/electronic-comm-code

OFCOM website extract:

…… the Code allows persons to whom the Code applies to:

  • construct and maintain electronic communications networks and infrastructure (such as ducts, cabinets and poles) on public highways without the need to obtain a street works licence to undertake such works;
  • construct communications infrastructure which is classified as ‘permitted developments’ under Town and Country Planning legislation (such as certain types of masts, poles and cabinets) without the need to apply for planning permission;
  • in the event that agreement cannot be reached with the owner or occupier of private land, the Code allows an operator to apply to the Court to impose an agreement which confers the Code right being sought or for the Code right to bind the landowner or occupier;