Mystery of the mast solved
By Kevin Barnes
It is known as the home of the Derby and for affording spectacular views of the London cityscape on a crystal-clear summer afternoon.
But last week Epsom Downs was more talked about for being the site of a 30m-high hydraulic platform casting a slender shadow on the Old Paddock. The cherry picker was the source of speculation last Wednesday as neighbours tried to decipher just what purpose it was serving.
A quick call to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council ended all doubt: the lift was intended to test the visual impact of a proposed 30m mobile phone mast.
When the old grandstand at Epsom racecourse is demolished in September, a hub of two dozen transmitters will be pulled down. Six affected mobile phone operators are seeking permission for a replacement grey lattice tower with 28 antennas, 20 microwave dishes and 26 cabinets. continued...
David Smith, chief executive of the borough council, said: "It's unusual to do something like this, but this is a fairly sensitive location.
"The dummy mast will allow us to evaluate the visual impact in the flesh, rather than just superimposing something on to a photo."
Not everyone seemed entirely convinced about using a "pole" to judge whether breathtaking vistas will be marred by a giant radiation-emitting device. Sarah Clayton, secretary of Epsom and Ewell Environ- ment Forum, said: "It doesn't seem the best way to go about it, but you can see where the top will be, then use a bit of imagination."
l What do you think? Write to us at Epsom Guardian, Newspaper House, 34-44 London Road, Morden SM4 5BX or email epsomnewsdesk@slguardian.co.uk.
© Copyright 2001-2006 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisishertfordshire.co.uk/news/roundup/display.var.798268.0.solved_mystery_of_the_mast.php
It is known as the home of the Derby and for affording spectacular views of the London cityscape on a crystal-clear summer afternoon.
But last week Epsom Downs was more talked about for being the site of a 30m-high hydraulic platform casting a slender shadow on the Old Paddock. The cherry picker was the source of speculation last Wednesday as neighbours tried to decipher just what purpose it was serving.
A quick call to Epsom and Ewell Borough Council ended all doubt: the lift was intended to test the visual impact of a proposed 30m mobile phone mast.
When the old grandstand at Epsom racecourse is demolished in September, a hub of two dozen transmitters will be pulled down. Six affected mobile phone operators are seeking permission for a replacement grey lattice tower with 28 antennas, 20 microwave dishes and 26 cabinets. continued...
David Smith, chief executive of the borough council, said: "It's unusual to do something like this, but this is a fairly sensitive location.
"The dummy mast will allow us to evaluate the visual impact in the flesh, rather than just superimposing something on to a photo."
Not everyone seemed entirely convinced about using a "pole" to judge whether breathtaking vistas will be marred by a giant radiation-emitting device. Sarah Clayton, secretary of Epsom and Ewell Environ- ment Forum, said: "It doesn't seem the best way to go about it, but you can see where the top will be, then use a bit of imagination."
l What do you think? Write to us at Epsom Guardian, Newspaper House, 34-44 London Road, Morden SM4 5BX or email epsomnewsdesk@slguardian.co.uk.
© Copyright 2001-2006 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisishertfordshire.co.uk/news/roundup/display.var.798268.0.solved_mystery_of_the_mast.php
rudkla - 16. Jun, 22:38
