North-east councillors were wrong to block plans for a fast-speed WiFi mast at a rural primary school, Scottish ministers have ruled.
Members of the Buchan area committee rejected proposals for a 36ft broadband tower at Auchnagatt, claiming it could potentially put children’s health at risk.
The bid was part of a wider campaign by Aberdeenshire Council to set-up superfast wireless connections at schools and offices throughout the region.
In December, Buchan councillors voted against the Auchnagatt plan, despite being told that it complied with national guidelines. They said they had serious concerns about the mast’s possible impact on youngsters.
Aberdeenshire Council chiefs appealed against the committee’s decision.
They argued that extensive testing and research had been carried out which found there was no risk to public health.
Now, the Scottish Government’s directorate for planning and environmental appeals has concluded its investigation into the decision and has agreed that the mast should be granted planning consent.
Reporter Douglas Hope, who was selected by Scottish Ministers to consider the appeal, said there was no good reason for the plan to have been rejected. He said the council had provided paperwork that proved the equipment fully complied with guidelines for public exposure to radio frequency radiation.
There were no objections from residents about the Auchnagatt scheme.
Since rejecting the Auchnagatt mast, the same committee has approved two similar schemes at schools in Longside and Boddam.
Central Buchan councillor Jim Ingram said he was disappointed these masts were being proposed for sites near schools.
The local authority wants to link up around 500 buildings in Aberdeenshire with fast broadband. Masts have been installed at over 100 schools.