Phone mast plan thrown out

PLANNING bosses at Warrington have thrown out a controversial plan for a 12.5 metre high telecommunications mast.
The shock decision went against the advice of planning officers – and after representatives of applicants Vodafone had left the meeting in the belief they were to be given approval.
But members of the borough council’s planning committee decided the site, in Admirals Road, Birchwood, was surrounded by houses and that insufficient explanation had been given as to why other alternative sites were not suitable.
They suggested the applicants should look again at other sites and come back with an explanation of why they could not be used.
Ten nearby residents had opposed the proposal, along with Birchwood Town Council.
The application, if successful, would have resulted in Vodafone and O2 sharing the mast.
Birchwood Town Council claimed the mast would be far too close to houses, would detract from the natural landscape and would become a prominent feature in the street scene.
They claimed there were already some 18 mobile phone masts in Birchwood and asked why none of these were suitable.
Neighbours argued that the mast and associated ground level equipment would create an eyesore and could cause a road safety hazard.
But planning officers said the mast would have only have a minor impact on the character of the area.