‘Monstrous’ mast will tower over us, say residents
MORE than 100 people have voiced their opposition to a ‘ monstrous’ 15m phone mast that would tower over their homes.
Communication giant EE want to site the mast on a grass verge at the corner of Penningtons Lane and Congleton Road, Macclesfield.
It would replace one on commercial land at Moss Lane, which has to be moved as the site is being sold.
But residents in the area say it is too big, out of character for the residential area and may also cause a distraction at what is a busy junction.
They argue a site at nearby Congleton Road Playing Fields would be better but Cheshire East Council - who own it - refuse to have other than as a ‘last resort’.
Colin Garlick, who lives near the proposed site, said: “We really do object to potentially having this monstrosity spoiling the view.
“Our property and those immediately surrounding the green are bungalows and this mast will clearly dwarf these properties. It will have such an intrusive impact, destroy the character of the area and will dominate what is a very attractive green space.”
More than 100 people have signed a petition objecting to the mast, which would come with equipment cabinets.
They argue because the mat was originally on a commercial site it should moved to a similar location - not a residential one.
In a planning application submitted to Chesh- ire East Council a statement says: “The council’s asset management service were not willing to consider any sites on their land until other options had been exhausted.”
Councillor Laura Jeuda who has supported the residents since the campaign began last April said: “I am concerned that the views of resident appear to have been ignored.
“To site such equipment on an attractive piece of green land in a residential area seems grossly unfair.”
An EE spokesman said, “We always seek to minimise visual impact when we’re looking to build new masts or relocate to a new site, and the objections of a small minority often ignore the connectivity needs of a majority.
“We continue to be in discussions with the council about our plans and we are assessing other options.”
Cheshire East Council was asked for comment.