Objections to phone mast plan
Plans for a 16m high telephone mast on a West Lothian footpath have been slammed by locals, who say it would be“scandalous”to place it so close to houses and schools.
CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd has submitted plans for the telecommunications monopole at South Street in Armadale.
But they have been met with anger from people living nearby, who said it is “controversial and inappropriate”to place a 16-metre mast and accompanying cabinets right outside private residential properties, adding it will make the area more dangerous for pedestrians and motorists alike.
One resident who stays on the street said the proposed mast base will be sited less than one metre from his front gate.
He continued:“At the moment we have to drive our car through the gate onto the pavement by two metres to enable a clear view of pedestrian and road traffic.
“We now have oversight of the dimensions and siting of the mast and cabinets.
“As a result of the height of the mast base and the mast itself, we will have to drive the car a further 1.2 metres (3.2 metres in total) to have a clear view of the pavement and road, significantly increasing the risk of someone being injured.
“We believe it is not an acceptable safety risk. It is unclear from the plans submitted whether or not the grass verge will remain or be removed.
“If it remains then the measurements stated above will increase by one metre.
“It should also be taken into consideration that when the church is holding an event, people attending park on the street right outside both properties further reducing visibility.”
He continued: “South Street is one of the main thoroughfares both for pedestrians and vehicles as well as a busy bus route.
“The mast will have a significant visual impact and appear incongruent to the surrounding area.
“We believe that there are much more suitable places in Armadale for the mast, for example the area around the old Arnold Clark showroom, behind the Co-op and the football ground, around the Asda store or the new Arnold Clark showroom, near the train station and also the new footpath from Armadale to Whitburn, around the dog track to name a few.”
His neighbour agreed, adding:“I think it is scandalous that it is thought to be alright to erect this unsightly mast right beside residential properties.
“I also have safety concerns as South Street is a very busy footpath which is used all day. I am sure there are more suitable sites in Armadale for the mast to be erected which would not be beside private residential properties.”