Mix-up calls for a new phone mast

Buy photos » Councillors Anita Clayton and Juliet Brunner with resident Ron Whitehouse at the proposed site of the phone mast. Picture by Marcus Mingins. 0312024MMR

MOBILE phone giants Vodafone and O2 have been forced to re-apply to install a new phone mast in Matchborough after realising they did not have permission to build on the original site.

The pair were initially refused permission for the mast on Claybrook Drive by Redditch Borough Council but had the decision overturned on appeal.

But a fresh application has now had to be submitted for a site 7.5 metres away from the original location after it was revealed the land was not owned by Worcestershire County Council.

A spokeswoman for both companies told the Standard: “An existing planning permission for a mobile phone base station is available close to this location, however we are not able to develop this site and as such are submitting a new planning application.

“Initial investigations indicated the original site was on land owned by the local highway authority, however it transpires this is not true. The landowner is unwilling to allow the proposal to proceed and as such a new location for the proposed site was required.”

Matchborough ward Councillor Juliet Brunner blasted both companies for the mix-up.

“I am really angry they did not bother to do their homework about the site in the first place. My constituents have gone through all the anguish of the application and appeal for nothing because of their ineptitude.”

Atherstone Close resident Karen Whitehouse, who spoke out against the first application at a planning committee meeting in March last year, said she was still concerned the mast was too close to houses in the area.

But in their report, joint applicants Vodafone (UK) Ltd And Telefonica (UK) Ltd said the design had been carefully considered to ensure there was enough coverage with the minimum possible impact on the surrounding area.

“The proposed site will allow the applicants to offer 3G high speed data access and 3G video telephony services to customers in these areas,” it said.

“The site has been chosen to minimise the visual impact upon the surrounding area. The site benefits from its position against the tree line which effectively screens the installation.”

Residents living nearby concerned about the mast are being urged to send their objections to the borough council’s planning department.