Mast fight flares again

Apr 28 2008 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

FAMILIES who won a campaign to remove a phone mast are outraged after two mobile phone giants re-applied for planning permission.

The mobile phone companies, O2 and Vodafone have re-submitted a joint planning application to Gateshead Council for a 20-metre phone mast to be built at the Glebe Sports Club in Rectory Lane, Whickham.

Several members of the local community launched a campaign when a mast was first installed there in February 2006 and after nearly two years of fighting they won their battle.

The companies were ordered by Gateshead City Council to remove the mast last October after government planning inspectors deemed it to be a dominant and overbearing structure, especially for people living within close range.

The companies appealed against the decision but lost.

Joan Moore, 64, of Holme Avenue in Whickham fought tirelessly for the masts removal and has expressed her anger at the new application.

She said: “I am incensed. Its taken me two weeks to calm down so I could write a letter to the council. I can’t believe that the residents and I have to go through all of this again. It’s a mockery.

“After how long and hard we all fought last year to get this monstrosity down, to think the mobile phone companies are trying to do it again is just disgusting.”

Mrs Moore, who is retired, spends a lot of time in her house and found the view to be unacceptable when the mast was up.

She said: “Since I’ve retired I spend 24/7 in my house. When the mast was up it didn’t matter where I was I could see it. When I opened my bedroom curtains on a morning that was the first thing I could see.

“I have lived here for 22 years and certainly don’t want that thing anywhere near my back garden.

“This is a family estate and a lot of children live here. Its not right.”

But Tom Powell, O2 regional communications manager, said: “Following the recent appeal refusal at Whickham Sports Club, O2 is committed to investing in Whickham to ensure that our customers who live and work in the area can benefit from a mobile phone network they can rely on.

“That is why our agents have submitted a new planning application to Gateshead Council for their consideration.”

Vodafone spokesman Rob Matthews said: “Vodafone has an obligation to maintain coverage to our customers in the local area.

“The existing lighting column upon which we are located is to be removed which has resulted in Vodafone needing to seek a long term replacement at the sports ground.”

A spokesman for Gateshead City Council said: “An application was submitted by O2 in March for a 20 metre high telecommunications mast.

“We don’t yet have a date for when the proposal will be looked at but hope the matter will be dealt with as soon as possible.”

“I can’t believe that the residents and I have to go through all of this again. It is a mockery.