A decision on a proposed Digicel telecommunications tower on South Road has been deferred until a public hearing can be held.

The application proposes the erection of a movable cell site on wheels at 49 South Road, Devonshire, which would include a 65 feet antenna capable of extending to 100 feet.

However, the Development Applications Board (DAB) received 230 objections from neighbours and the parents of children at nearby day care centres and nursery schools.

The majority of objections cited concerns about property devaluation in the area and the potential health impact of the tower.

On June 4 the DAB was shown the proposed location of the tower and its proximity to the nearest residential property, along with pictures of a similar tower installed in Smith’s, said to be immediately adjacent to the neighbouring residential properties.

A technical officer detailed consultation with the Department of Conservation Services, Department of Environmental Health, the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee and the Regulatory Authority, primarily indicating support of the proposal.

The Board reportedly expressed concern about the proliferation of towers across the Island, questioning if any moratorium had been put in place to prevent an “excessive number” of towers from being erected.

“The Board determined that a hearing would be prudent based on the number of objections received and their concerns relating to potential health impacts,” the minutes read. “The Board recommended that additional information should be sought relative to the existence of a moratorium and the number of existing towers on the Island.

“The Board elected to have a public hearing with controlled representation. Representatives should include the Department of Environmental Health and Regulatory Authority.

“The Board were of the opinion that a hearing would not only allow the objectors concerns to be heard but would provide them with detailed information regarding these structures, and any future tower applications coming to them for consideration.”

Digicel head Wayne Caines has previously said that the tower was necessary to remedy weak phone reception in the area, but added the extra facilities might not even be necessary if the Bermuda Regulatory Authority changed the allocation of radio frequencies used by cell providers.

The authority has said it was investigating the use of Bermuda’s radio spectrum and would make a decision over whether or not the current spectrum assignments were being efficiently used after their assessment is complete. Mr Caines was contacted yesterday about the deferment but declined the opportunity to comment.