Apr 17, 2009
No to New Vodafone Mast
Council officers have decided to reject the application from Vodafone for a 14 metre high mast on the corner of Lower Elmstone Drive and Elmstone Drive.
Local residents, 229 of whom signed a petition against the mast application, are delighted with the news. Petition organiser and local councillor, Ricky Duveen said, ‘this is a good decision for Tilehurst where we have clearly demonstrated the depth of feeling about plans to erect this monstrosity in our residential neighbourhood.’
‘I would like to thank all the residents who signed our petition and I would also like to say a special thank you to Nerys and Andrew Wilkinson who helped with the petition and also provided a lot of excellent publicity for our cause.’
The council’s rejection is based on planning grounds in that the mast and its base cabinets would be obtrusive structures that do not fit with the surrounding environment.
However, Vodafone can appeal against this decision and they have three months in which to do so. Given the amount of time and money they have already spent on this case, an appeal is very likely. Any appeal will be heard by an independent Planning Inspector and both sides will be able to put their case.
Ricky added, ‘Despite this threat that will hang over Tilehurst for a few months yet, this is a splendid win for Tilehurst in Round 1.’
Local residents were appalled when they heard about Vodafone’s mast application, especially since they sent off a barrage of protest letters to Vodafone last July when the company first tried to consult local residents.
