Anger over new plan for mobile phone mast (From Swindon Advertiser)

Anger over new plan for mobile phone mast

8:50pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in News By Katie Bond

Coun David Renard and Claire Ellis at the site where there has been a new application for a phone mast

COUNCILLORS in Haydon Wick have said they were aghast to receive proposals to place a mobile phone mast in their ward, just months after a previous application was rejected.

Last July, councillors and residents successfully opposed a proposed phone mast on the grass verge at The Street, opposite Holmleigh.

It was refused because of the proximity to nearby homes and concerns over the mast’s height in relation to the size of streetlamps and houses.

Now councillors have received a letter on behalf of Vodafone and O2, proposing a phone mast and associated cabinets on the same site.

Coun David Renard, (Con, Haydon Wick) said: “I’m not surprised a further application has come in for this location but to arrive only six months after the last one was rejected is staggering.

“I haven’t yet replied to the letter as I am keen that as many residents know about this. But I expect the strength of feeling opposing this proposal will be undiminished.

“Residents will be aghast, as are we, that we have received this letter.

“I was delighted that we were able to secure the refusal of the application in July, which is what most people wanted. It demonstrated that, if councillors work with residents in a constructive way, it is often possible to deliver the desired outcomes.”

The letter, from Karen Sheppard, of Mono Consultants on behalf of Vodafone and O2, says a period of 14 days will be given before an application is made to Swindon Council to allow comments to be submitted.

She said: “As part of Vodafone’s and O2’s continued network improvement programme, there is a specific requirement to improve 3G coverage in this particular location.

“Mobile telephones can only work with a network of base stations in place where people want to use their phones or other wireless devices.”

Coun Rex Barnett, (Con, Haydon Wick) has written to the company to express his disappointment.

In his letter, he said: “I am very disappointed, dismayed and saddened that you and your company think we are complete idiots.

“A few months ago, Swindon Planning Committee turned down an application for a mast approximately 100 yards from your proposal. Today’s proposal is sillier than ever, it is further down the hill and closer to an infant/junior school.”

To contact Coun Renard, email drenard@swindon.gov.uk.