Despite intense public opposition Telecom has gained local authority blessing to erect a 30m cellphone tower at Whakapara, near Whangarei.
Telecom claimed the tower was necessary to improve cellphone coverage on a section of State Highway One and to parts of the Whakapara area, north-west of Whangarei.
But more than 100 submittersargued against the plans to erect the transmitter on land owned by Roger and Kate Ballard.
Objections were made on visual, health and cultural grounds with others expressing doubts the tower was really necessary.
A three-member Whangarei District Council judicial committee, which last month heard the application, was told the tower would adversely affect panoramic views enjoyed by people living in the area.
Objectors claimed it would also "significantly affect the natural and physical characteristics of the area".
But in a reserved decision released today, the committee granted the application.
The committee said while "regard has been taken (in) respect of the submissions received on the proposed development", the proposal was "in accordance with the purpose and principles" of the Resource Management Act.
"The proposal will not result in any adverse effects on the environment that are considered to be more than minor."
Telecom now has five years to exercise the consent, which is subject to several conditions including its operation meeting New Zealand Standards. It also has to keep the level of "radio frequency fields ... as low as reasonably achievable".
The mast also has to be painted a non-reflective light grey colour with its equipment container in natural grey or green colours.
