Planningcommitteekickoutmastproposal

The installation of a new 45-metre high lattice telecommunications tower in Motherwell has been rejected by councillors.

North Lanarkshire Council (NLC) planners had recommended the plans for the tower at Fir Park.

However, the application was refused by 10 votes to six at a meeting of NLC’s planning committee.

Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig SNP councillor Agnes Magowan was delighted that the proposals were booted out.

She said: “This is the wrong place for such a high installation which is the height of a 15 storey tower block in close proximity to established residential properties which will be greatly overshadowed.

“As a planning committee it is morally wrong to endanger the health of our children if there is slightest modicum of doubt that it is safe.

“I believe that an alternative site in an industrial area and not in close proximity to schools and residential areas should be investigated.

“My constituents and I are delighted that it was refused.”

A total of 58 objections were received against the proposals including from local councillors

Kenneth Duffy from Labour and the Tories’ Nathan Wilson.

One objector stated: “The consultation process for this proposal has been seriously inadequate and flawed.

“Most of the residents who would be adversely affected by the proposed structure have neither been notified nor consulted.

“To pass a proposal under such circumstances would set a dangerous precedent for future planning applications.

“The i ndustrial appearance and purpose of this mast is totally unsuitable for a residential area.”