Appeal lodged after Heddon on the Wall phone mast refusal
Jul 27 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal
A CONTROVERSIAL bid to site a phone mast near a historic North treasure has been revived.
Mobile phone giant Telefonica O2 has appealed against Northumberland County Council’s decision to reject its proposal for a 27.5 metre lattice mast at Heddon on the Wall – 800 metres north of Hadrian’s Wall and within the official setting of what is a World Heritage Site.
The company’s planning application was refused by the council’s West area planning committee in May, following a site visit, with members saying the company had not considered other less obtrusive sites.
The decision came despite council officers recommending approval of the bid, with English Heritage having raised no objection.
Opposition had however been raised to the development by Heddon Parish Council because of the perceived impact on the Roman Wall.
The application had been submitted after refusal of a previous bid for a mast near the wall by O2.
Last night, Jim Stevenson, O2’s communications manager, explained why the company has resurrected its latest scheme.
He said: “It was important simply for the fact that our 3D coverage for that area is not as good as we would expect.
“We have got to get that mast up and running to make sure we can improve that.
