Councillors turn down phone mast

16 August 2005 10:05

A mobile-phone mast that residents fear could have blighted their community has been refused by Breckland councillors.

Members of the authority's development control committee yesterday threw out plans from Hutchinson 3G for a 20m mast close to the A47 at Wendling, near Dereham.

The planned mast, which would have carried three antennae and two dishes, aroused strong opposition from villagers, who were backed in their campaign by Mid Norfolk MP Keith Simpson.

Resident Andy Cook said: "Our main objection is that at over 65ft high the mast would tower over the neighbouring houses and ruin the skyline. There are already two phone masts in Wendling."

Planning officers recommended refusal, agreeing the mast would be "unduly dominant and overbearing" to people living in Mill Close.

The Highways Agency also expressed concern about a lack of detailed information about the proposal.

Committee chairman and ward rep Elizabeth Gould said she was aware of the strong feeling in the village. "There should be more joined-up thinking between the phone companies to use each others' masts," she said.

Councillors voted unanimously to reject the mast because of the effect on residential amenity.

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