The foundation at the Long Trench site already prepared for casting

In a swift move following concerns vented to the Planning Authority, a Compliance Notice dated Tuesday, April 29, was served on Digicel.

The Notice requested that the company halt construction since the development of the land has been carried out without the grant of development permission as required by Section 20 (1) of the Physical Planning Act.

Additionally, the cellular company, which was awarded a licence to operate in the Territory last December, has also been found in breach of specific areas of regulation, and was given 28 days to clean up its act.

According to the Compliance Notice, failure to comply could result with the Authority reserving the right to enter on the property and cease construction.

During the 28-day period, Digicel has an option to file an appeal.

The Compliance Notice indicated that the antennae is being constructed at a distance that is less than the height of the tower to the adjacent property and that Digicel has not submitted to the Planning Authority, any evidence of notifying adjacent neighbours of the proposed development.

Additionally, the notice indicated that Digicel has not submitted to the Planning Authority, any evidence of liability insurance as it relates to potential damage to adjacent properties from tower failure.

Sources related that construction has since been halted at the site following a meeting last week with officials from Town and Country Planning (TCP).

Officials from the Telecommunication Regulation Committee (TRC) were also invited to the meeting, with one high-ranking official pointing out that the TRC has recently acquired state-of-the-art monitoring equipment that will enable the unit to test radiation levels in areas of concerns.

But, residents said the project should not have even started in the first instance and must not be allowed to proceed.

“Digicel should consider an alternative area to erect their tower. We do not need this tower in our community it will create problems for us,” one resident noted.

However, Digicel’s BVI Marketing Executive, Angela Burns said that the company is working with TCP to ensure compliance with the requisite regulation as it prepares to roll a service by summer.

She noted that the company has identified several sites on which it plans to erect cell sites, but will not address one particular case.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment