SITE operators for the Bilsdale transmitter in a recent update, explained that the new temporary mast had been delayed due to the “legal process” taking longer than expected. But what does this mean?

The Bilsdale site is labelled as a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), meaning the land is protected by Natural England due to features of scientific interest such as wildlife, geology or landforms.

READ MORE: Bilsdale transmitter latest: What we know so far after residents left with no TV signal

This is one of the biggest reasons as to why there are delays for the construction of a temporary 80-metre mast on the Bilsdale site.

A spokesperson for Arqiva said: “Bilsdale is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and to replicate what is there is not a simple task.

“The legal process to secure appropriate access to the site to build the temporary mast is taking longer than we initially anticipated and as a result it will not be operational by this weekend as we’d hoped.

“We are making representations to the court as to the severity and the urgency of the situation but we are in the hands of the judicial system currently.”

READ MORE: Bilsdale Transmitter update: BBC to refund licence fee after residents left with no TV signal

Natural England’s objective is to ensure that SSSIs have reached a “favourable condition” status, meaning that all habitats and features are in a healthy state and are being conserved in the correct way.

How are SSSIs protected?

In Sites of Scientific Interest there are legal issues about certain activities on the site, for example:

  • It is an offence to intentionally recklessly damage, disturb or destroy land known to be an SSSI or intentionally recklessly disturb the wildlife in an SSSI.
  • It is an offence to do anything that may damage the SSSI without permission from the relevant conservation agency.
  • Public bodies are not allowed to carry out damaging operations on an SSSI, except where they notify the relevant conservative agency. It is also an offence for a public body to fail to minimise damage done to an SSSI and if damage is done to fail to restore an SSSI.
  • Statutory bodies are also expected to take steps to conserve and enhance special features of an SSSI.
  • If a statutory body undertake activities that affect an SSSI they must consult the relevant statutory nature conservation agency. If that activity cannot be avoided it must be undertaken in a way least damaging to the SSSI

READ MORE: Bilsdale transmitter: How to get your BBC licence fee refund

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