Farm owner withdraws support for phone mast
AFARM owner has described plans to put a 25m phone mast on his land as ‘untenable’ in the face of huge opposition.
Telecommunications firm MBNL want to site the mast at Chants Cliff Farm, near Cliff Lane Higher Hurdsfield, and have approached Cheshire East Council.
But residents from around 40 homes in the area have stated strong objections.
In response the farm owner has written to MBNL and the council to withdraw his support.
The letter said: “With regard to the proposed installation of a slimline Valmont mast on my property ( Cliff Hill ) I have listened numerous to concerns from residents in the vicinity and I have to say I agree with most.
“For this reason I cannot proceed. I appreciate that you and your organisation have gone to some considerable effort in this project but unfortunately the proposal is untenable on my property.”
MBNL has approached the council on behalf of fellow organisation EE Ltd and Hutchison 3G to ask if the mast would need full planning permission.
The proposed mast would have six antenna and four 6m dishes. Since plans were submitted last month the council has been inundated with objections.
One said: “A mast 25 metres high, wow, that’s going to be an eyesore in a lovely rural setting.
“I think it will totally dominate (and ruin) the views and will be seen from miles around.
“There is a total lack of natural screening around the proposed siting.
”As many other objections have noted there are concerns over suitability of the site because of historical mining.”
Others say green and open spaces should be given more protection, there is no ‘concrete’ evidence alternative sites have been considered, flooding could be a potential problem and the mast is too tall.
MBNL wrote to council planners informing them of proposals for the mast.
The company said: “The location has been identified as being necessary for EE Ltd business development and meets its specific technical and operational requirements.
“The identification of this location follows preapplication discussion with your department and we now make a formal application to you as planning authority.” MBNL has been contacted for further comment.
An MBNL spokesman said: “As part of local redevelopment works we need to relocate our existing site.
“Our site provides connectivity to many homes and local businesses within the area.
“A planning application was submitted and we will continue to work closely with the case officer during the planning process.
“Finding an alternative permanent solution is a complex process and requires the need for many technical and social aspects to be considered, these include but aren’t limited to; Identifying land and its owner, coverage demands, network transmission and of course Planning Permission Approval, achieving this balance can be very challenging.”