Green belt protest foils latest phone mast bid Council says firm didn’t look hard enough for other sites
ANOTHER bid to install a large phone mast has failed amid complaints it would spoil the appearance of green belt land.
Telecommunication firm EE had applied for permission to site the 20m pole on land at Lower Park Road, Poynton.
But questions were raised over the information in the company’s application - with queries over how close to the mast some homes would be
Poynton Parish Council also suggested EE may not have looked hard enough at alternative sites. The company had a similar mast application for Sherwood Road, Macclesfield, refused earlier this month.
Kate McDowell, deputy town clerk, said: “Poynton Town Council recognises that good quality internet coverage is essential, especially in view of the increase in home working.
“However, a 20m/65ft high mast on a new site in the green belt should be avoided if possible.
“We have also received comments from a local resident, raising a number of issues regarding this application and alleging that some details are incorrect.”
Cheshire East Council planners agreed and said EE claims that trees would help screen the mast did not take account that at 20m it would be taller than the estimated 16m foliage.
They also agreed that more information and evidence was needed to show why alternative sites such as Deva Close Playing Fields and Hazelbadge Road were unsuitable.
Planner Louise Dowd said in a report: “The substantial harm that is found in relation to the Green Belt, the character and appearance of the area and in relation to living conditions, the potential to harm the setting of a listed building, coupled with the possibility that an alternative site might yet be found, outweighs the need.”
But consultants Harlequin, who submitted a report with EE’s application, said the ‘location has been chosen as it is ideally situated to provide adequate coverage whilst minimising any perceived negative visual impact’.
It added: “The requirement for a new mobile phone base station in this area is to provide improved mobile phone coverage for individuals utilising the rail at this location, local residents, visitors, and businesses.
“This site will also form part of the new emergency services network. The mast height is the minimum required in order to ensure operational efficiency.”
The council refused EE’s application on the grounds that the mast would be inappropriate development in the green belt, it was visually intrusive, and insufficient information had been submitted.