Oldie but goodie.
http://freepage.twoday.net/stories/3371885/Surprise over phone mast victory
DAN GRIMMER
27 February 2007
Families fighting plans for a mobile phone mast won an unexpected
victory when councillors went against the recommendation of officers to
reject the plans.
More than 80 people wrote to South Norfolk Council to object to plans
for an 11.7 metre T-Mobile mast on land opposite the Crown pub in
Norwich Road, Costessey.
Families living close to the proposed mast were concerned about the
visual impact such a large structure would have in the area, while there
were also fears about the possible heath effects on those living
closest to the mast and on pupils at nearby Costessey Infant School.
But despite the strength of feeling against the mast planning officers
at South Norfolk Council had made recommendations to the planning
committee that it be approved when they met yesterday. However,
councillors decided to reject the proposal because it would have been an
eyesore - to the delight of campaigners, including South Norfolk
councillor Tim East.
Mr East said: “I'm absolutely delighted that the planning committee
unanimously decided to reject T-Mobile's application for a phone mast at
Norwich Road on the grounds that they thought it was detrimental to the
visual amenities of the area.”
Pauline Wilkinson, who has lived on Norwich Road, Costessey, with her
husband John for more than 30 years, said she was surprised the mast had
ever been recommended for approval given all the opposition to it.
“It's a very busy area close to a number of shops, with cars, a
pedestrian crossing and all the associated furniture, two large trees - I
just couldn't see how sticking something else there was going to
improve the area. I don't really see that there's a need for a mast
there.”
Mrs Wilkinson said she had been concerned about the possible health
effects on people living in the area, particularly the children who went
to the school on Beaumont Road.
As the Evening News reported earlier this month, the small strip of
grass where the mast was to be sited had been earmarked by parish
councillors as a natural spot for a village sign and flower beds to
create an attractive centre for New Costessey. The Evening News has
campaigned against the installation of mobile phone masts near homes and
schools until it is proved they are safe through our Put Masts on Hold
campaign.
Are you fighting to stop a phone mast in your area? Call Evening News
reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772439 or email
[hidden email]
Copyright © 2007 Archant Regional. All rights reserved.
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