Radio enthusiast’s mast plan refused

A 77-year-old radio enthusiast wanting to erect a 10-metre mast in his back garden has had his plans scuppered by concerned councillors.

Armando Martins, of Godwin Road, Thanington, had collected more than 40,000 signatures in support of his application, heard at a planning committee last week.

Mr Martins, who lives in sheltered accommodation, proposed to retract the mast when not in use but details over the exact height were not made clear.

Speaking through a representative at the meeting, Mr Martins said: “I’m not a property developer – I’m a 77-yearold man.

“All I want is to exercise my right to a hobby, keep mind fit and active, and avoid loneliness.

“I was allocated this accommodation after asking the council specifically for somewhere I could practice my hobby without restriction.

“Thanington is not is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and other applicants have been allowed to operate within the city council’s district without any restrictions.”

Mr Martins who has gained support from fellow radio enthusiasts in Mississippi, Australia and Germany, has helped co-ordinate in disaster zones if communication sys- tems were wiped out.

The statement added: “I have support from the parish council and the Radio Society of Great Britain.

“According to Ofcom, who regulate my hobby, it is a serious and professional activity, as well as a hobby.

“Here in this district, there are 180 community operators with various and larger masts, some of which are set in more pleasant surroundings.”

Cllr Nick Eden-green said: “I have sympathy as it is a hobby which does not create nuisance or noise. But it does raise the issue of visual impact.

“I do not stand great credibility to the petition as there is a great repetition of names and I have not been able to uncover details on the other alleged 180 applications in the area.”

The committee voted nine to one for refusal, with two abstaining from the vote.

Armando Martins with some of his radio equipment