Cellnex UK

Project Description

Cellnex UK is contracted to provide mobile signal improvements for Network Rail. In support of their London to Brighton Network Improvement Project, NPA Visuals was engaged to prepare Accurate Visual Representations (AVRs) to assist with various planning applications.

The Brighton Mainline service stretches 51 miles from London to the South Coast, traversing some of the UK’s most densely populated regions. Prior to the project initiation, mobile internet connectivity along this route varied greatly, with many areas experiencing poor or non-existent service. This project aims to deploy new and upgraded infrastructure throughout the London to Brighton railway line, establishing seamless connectivity and enhancing mobile signal quality over time.

Details of Our Involvement

Our role involved creating Accurate Visual Representations, also referred to as Verified Views and Photomontages. Collaborating closely with Cellnex UK and their various planning teams, including Telligent, Planning Base, Circet UK, and HF Coms, we undertook a thorough approach to visualise the planned improvements effectively.

To ensure the visualisations were relevant and impactful, our team conducted site visits to capture photographs from both suggested and carefully selected viewpoints. Drawing on our extensive experience in viewpoint photography for Landscape and Townscape Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA and TVIA), we proposed additional critical viewpoints that showcased the local significance – considering factors such as proximity to listed buildings, public rights of way, and key local vistas.

All photography was conducted in accordance with the Landscape Institute Technical Guidance.

Project Highlights

Utilising the plans provided by Cellnex, we developed bespoke 3D models of the intended mast equipment and installations, which varied significantly in size based on location. For instance:

• Rural sites often featured proposed truss tower structures.
• Urban locations typically involved installations atop existing buildings.

To facilitate design discussions, we modelled multiple proposal options to illustrate how various structures would appear in their respective settings. This step was instrumental for the design team in determining the most suitable approach for each site, with alternative proposals presented to local authorities to highlight the design evolution.

For each site, we incorporated contextual and survey information to accurately align the viewpoint photography. From the selected viewpoints, we prepared visual representations for review and approval by Cellnex and the relevant planning authorities.

Given the varied environments – from urban landscapes to protected areas like the South Downs National Park – we ensured that mast heights were represented accurately and considered surrounding infrastructures such as security fencing, access roads, and significant landmarks. We also provided winter viewpoints, capturing images when trees were bare, to provide a more truthful representation of how the masts would appear in the landscape.

Time constraints, weather conditions, and working within sensitive ecological and historical locations presented challenges throughout the project. However, our team’s proactive approach enabled us to navigate these obstacles effectively.