Lewisham Council's Planning Committee B has granted approval for the installation of a 20-metre-high phone mast on Sanford Street, New Cross Gate, despite objections from local residents concerned about its visual impact and proximity to a significant mural.

The decision, made during a meeting on Thursday, 16 April 2026, allows for the erection of a monopole, six radio antennas, two transmission dishes, and three equipment cabinets on a grass verge. This development is a replacement for an existing rooftop installation that is being removed due to redevelopment.

Aerial view of Sanford Street and surrounding areas, indicating the proposed site for a telecommunications monopole and the existing site to be decommissioned.
Aerial view of Sanford Street and surrounding areas, indicating the proposed site for a telecommunications monopole and the existing site to be decommissioned.

Principal Planning Officer Thomas Simnett informed the committee that the monopole's design and grouped cabinets would help minimise its visual impact. He confirmed that alternative sites had been explored and that the proposed location would not impede pedestrian movement.

Alternative Sites Explored

The applicant explored four discounted alternative sites: Avalon Café (Juno Way), Venue MOT (20 Surrey Canal Road), and two other sites near Millwall FC. These were deemed unsuitable because they were 'too close to an operational site at Millwall FC and would fail to achieve operational requirements'. Additionally, a nearby existing Three UK installation was assessed for site sharing but was found not to be technically feasible due to its narrow profile and limited height, which constrained its ability to accommodate additional operators and equipment. The applicant also stated that there were no other suitable buildings within the Elizabeth and Juno Way Industrial Estate.

Aerial view of the proposed telecommunications monopole site and surrounding area, with various points of interest marked.
Aerial view of the proposed telecommunications monopole site and surrounding area, with various points of interest marked.

However, residents voiced strong objections. Ibrahim Abdullah, speaking on behalf of local residents, highlighted the mast's scale in relation to surrounding two- and three-storey properties and its proximity to the locally significant mural Riders of the Apocalypse by Brian Burns. He argued the application was based on inaccurate information regarding heritage assets and questioned the site selection process.

Concerns Over Heritage Assets

Residents claimed the application was based on factually incorrect information regarding heritage assets, specifically stating that the applicant's own document claimed 'no heritage assets have been identified nearby'. This was contested by residents who pointed out the 'Riders of the Apocalypse' mural by Brian Burns, located immediately adjacent to the proposed site, as a locally significant cultural asset and a defining visual feature of the streetscape. The case officer clarified that the mast would not be directly in front of the mural and that tree coverage would limit direct views.

A street view showing the proposed location for a telecommunications monopole on Sanford Street, with residential buildings and trees visible.
A street view showing the proposed location for a telecommunications monopole on Sanford Street, with residential buildings and trees visible.

Councillor Rosie Parry acknowledged the concerns about the mural's view, 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. The case officer clarified that the proposed mast would not be directly in front of the mural and would have a separation distance. Additionally, tree coverage would limit direct views, and the case officer noted that the mast would be located around a specific location with a 'fairly decent separation distance from the building, and it's also separated by tree coverage as well, and that runs parallel to it.' Street view images showed that tree coverage significantly limited views of the mural from down the road.

A street view of Sanford Street, New Cross Gate, showing the area where a 20-meter telecommunications monopole was approved for installation.
A street view of Sanford Street, New Cross Gate, showing the area where a 20-meter telecommunications monopole was approved for installation.

Councillor Jack Lavery, Chair of the committee, noted the limited scope of a prior approval application, explaining, 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.

The General Permitted Development Order Framework

The General Permitted Development Order (GPDO) is a piece of legislation that grants automatic planning permission for certain types of development, subject to specific conditions and limitations. For telecommunications infrastructure, Part 16, Schedule 2, Class A of the GPDO allows for the installation of masts and associated equipment. However, it requires local planning authorities to approve the 'siting and appearance' of the proposed development through a 'prior approval' process. This limits the council's assessment to these specific matters, excluding other planning issues.

Elevation drawing of a proposed 20-meter-high telecommunications monopole with antennas and equipment cabinets on Sanford Street.
Elevation drawing of a proposed 20-meter-high telecommunications monopole with antennas and equipment cabinets on Sanford Street.

The committee ultimately voted unanimously to grant prior approval, accepting the officers' recommendation that the siting and appearance were acceptable within the narrow framework of the General Permitted Development Order. A condition was imposed requiring the monopole to be finished in light grey (RAL 7035) and the equipment cabinets in fir green (RAL 6009).

Read the full planning report here.