CONTROVERSIAL plans for a 57ft high mobile phone mast and associated equipment cabinets have been withdrawn.
Telecommunications giant O2 has withdrawn its application to erect the mast at Longwood Road, Appleton before it could be considered by Warrington’s development control committee.
Hundreds of nearby residents had lodged
objections, along with Appleton Parish Council.
It is not known whether the company has withdrawn the proposal completely or will resubmit it in a different form.
O2 representatives were given a rough ride when they attended a meeting of the parish council and were quizzed by more than 50 residents.
Residents protested at the visual impact of the mast and its associated equipment cabin, road safety implications and possible health risks – particularly in view of the proximity of a children’s play area.
Parish councillors agreed to support the residents because of the size of the proposed installation which, they said, would have a damaging impact on the street scene.
They were also concerned that little consideration appeared to have been given to mast-sharing with other telecommunications companies who already have masts nearby.
OS chiefs said at the time they would go away and consider the residents objections. But the application was subsequently submitted.
Objections were maintained, however, and the plan has now been withdrawn.
