Residents Say Phone Mast Plan Not for Us

By Andy Walker

CONCERNED residents have accused a mobile phone company of a ?major lack of communication and consultation? over plans to install an 18 metre mast.

Telecommunications company Vodafone wants to erect the mast on farmland close to houses in Sandy Bank, Northallerton, to improve coverage for customers.

Residents have expressed concerns about the proposed siting of themast and its proximity to houses.

In a letter to Tyco Electronics, the company acting as agents on behalf of Vodafone, resident Gavin Leach wrote: ?There seems to be a major lack of communication and consultation with local residents regarding the proposed mast.

?Many householders, within a very short distance of the site, have not been advised of the proposal, or given the opportunity to object.

?Only three houses have received advisory letters, even though the building of such a mast will affect approaching 100 properties. ? Mr Leach, of nearby Regency Court, said he has canvassed opinion among local residents and has yet to find anyone in support of the mast.

The plan includes a 15 metre mast, with a three metre antenna stalk on top of that.

As the local planning authority, Hambleton District Council is aware of Vodafone?s intention to build the mast.

However, permission to build themast could be granted without the application coming before councillors.

This is because the proposed height of the mast falls short of needing formal planning permission.

Vodafone is required to inform the council of its plans, but does not necessarily need approval.

The council can step in if sufficient objections aremade by people affected.

Maurice Cann, the district council?s head of development management, said planning officers had until midNovember to give a response.

He said: ?We will give a response, based on consideration of siting and appearance. ? A spokesman for Vodafone said: ?The proposed station at Sandy Bank, Northallerton, is required to improve the 3G coverage to our customers in the surrounding area.

?The location was chosen after consideration of 15 other sites, as it provides a backdrop of trees against which the proposed pole and antennas will not be visually intrusive.

?As part of our consultation, we wrote to the local planning authority, local ward councillors and local residents.

?We recognise that some communities are concerned regarding the deployment of radio base stations.

?A ll of our stations are designed, built and operated in accordance with stringent international guidelines. ?

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