Search for new phone mast site after protests

ATTEMPTS will be made to find an alternative site for a controversial phone mast but homeschooling during the Covid pandemic means time is of the essence.

Vodafone wants to put the 5G mast on top of an office building on Goodall Street, Macclesfield, as another one nearby is now out of use and the network is suffering.

At a East Cheshire Council planning meeting opposition was raised and the structure was described as obtrusive, too near homes and – at 14m from the ground – too dominant.

Committee members went against the planning officer recommendation of granting Vodafone’s application, instead opting to defer the decision until a future meeting.

Time will now be used to see if another suitable site can be found, with a mill on neighbouring Brook Street earmarked, and for further consultation with residents.

But a warning was given that currently connectivity is of utmost importance with many children needing it for education while schools are shut.

Councillor Sally Holland said: “We have to think about all things and connection is very important.

“My concern is with children schooling from home they are struggling to get connection.

“This does factor into this debate.”

The planning application is for a 5m ‘lattice stub tower’ with three antennas and two 3m transmission dishes.

Residents have said it would be ‘an eyesore’ and Coun Mick Warren spoke on their behalf at the meeting.

He said: “We understand the need for the mast and the benefits for the wider population but for a mast this size the location is wrong.

”It is very close to homes on Brook Street and will have significant visual impact. It is not a like for like replacement (for the out of use mast).

”This tower will be 2m taller, it is more obtrusive and dominating. There are better locations in the vicinity.”

At the meeting Jenny Han represented Vodafone and said the service had suffered since the original mast had been switched off in October.

She said there was buffering and ‘a lot’ more dropped calls so the need for this mast was ‘urgent’.

Ms Han said: “We all need high quality communications, particularly in this Covid era. It is the most suitable location.”

Other nearby sites were unsuitable because of heritage listings, roof shapes and type of windows, she added. In proposing the deferment, which was carried six votes to three with two abstentions, Coun Nick Mannion said: “I want to see evidence.

”The applicant needs to prove it has gone the extra mile to try and find a less intrusive location. I am not satisfied the applicant has explored all the potential options.”