Phone mast plans for Lochan Uaine spark fears for capercaillies

There are concerns that plans for a phone mast in the Cairngorms National Park could harm Scotland's fragile capercaillie population

If it goes ahead beside the iconic Ryvoan Bothy, it would be “visual vandalism” according to protesters, as well as a threat to wildlife.The entire £320m SRN budget has been allocated for these masts in so-called 4G Total Not Spots, despite rural communities calling for the money to be spent on improved communications where they are actually needed.Campaigner David Craig said the rollout was a wasted opportunity for rural communities with inadequate mobile coverage.

Craig said the Ryvoan mast epitomised the Total Not Spot programme as a “wasteful, damaging disaster for Scotland”. “We are also expecting the submission of another application soon for a mast, two wind turbines, solar array and back-up generator on RSPB Scotland’s reserve at Abernethy, near to Ryvoan Bothy,” said an RSPB spokesperson.“Due to the special rights that telecom developers have, although the mast is proposed on our land, it is likely to be very difficult for us to prevent its construction if planning permission is granted.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing many of these applications in inappropriate areas which do not include adequate – or in some cases any – assessments of impacts on designated sites and protected species. “Instead of consulting with communities in sparsely populated areas, ministers are imposing top-down targets whose prime objective seems to be filling in dots on maps rather than providing 4G cover for households and businesses who need to be connected,” said campaigns manager Thomas Widrow.

“DMSL, the mobile operators and Building Digital UK are working closely with Highland Council, planning authorities, special interest groups and local communities to achieve the best outcome for all parties and to take a nuanced approach in site placement, while delivering as broad an area of coverage as possible.”

United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Horsforth: Plans to install phone mast near KFC in Leeds to improve coverage after ‘surge in user demand’Mobile phone coverage could be improved if plans for a 20-metre mast are given permission.
Source: LeedsNews - 🏆 48. / 63 Read more »

Fears of attack and no phone signal deter women trail runners, finds studyMany studies have shown the health benefits of running, for both physical and psychological well-being. The researchers hope that, by identifying the features that are attractive to runners, they can help policymakers create environments that will promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
Source: medical_xpress - 🏆 101. / 51 Read more »

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari race engineer reveal in Sebastian Vettel phone callLewis Hamilton's team at Ferrari is apparently falling into place...
Source: Planet_F1 - 🏆 126. / 51 Read more »

Suspected upskirting videos on phone of man accused of storing gunsThe 40-year-old's lawyer described him as a self-confessed doomsday “prepper” who was lawfully storing food and minerals in readiness for potential catastrophe or breakdown in government
Source: BelfastLive - 🏆 16. / 77 Read more »

VAT on private schools, phone ban, breakfast clubs: what are politicians promising on education?Education unions say there is a 'range of systemic crises in education' - but how are different parties pledging to fix them?
Source: itvnews - 🏆 69. / 61 Read more »

Jay Slater's last phone call to pal 'cut off' by mystery callerJay Slater's best friend, Brad Hargreaves, shared the final phone call he had with the missing teen as the search continues.
Source: Daily_Record - 🏆 9. / 89 Read more »