U-turn over mobile phone mast
By Faye Casey
Mar 11, 2006
Campaigners in Lichfield braced to fight revived plans to put a mobile phone near school buildings in their community have forced a U-turn by a mobile giant.
T-Mobile appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after its bid to put up a 15-metre mast on land near Ryknild Street and Tamworth Road was refused by councillors in January.
But the firm has now withdrawn its appeal and the inspectorate has closed the file.
The scheme caused outrage among neighbours and more than 1,600 signed a petition objecting to the mast, with letters also sent to Lichfield District Council.
Campaign organisers Boley Park Action Group, said they were concerned for pupils at King Edward VI High School and the play group at Boley Park Community Centre because of claims radiation could affect health.
They were delighted when Lichfield District Council threw out T-Mobile's application in January but expected to fight again. Now they hope to relax.
Alan Begley, action group spokesman, said: "T-Mobile have withdrawn the appeal because of the weight of evidence put forward.
"I am very pleased - the strength of the people has carried this through.
"The people have won the day.
"I am very pleased, and grateful, for their support.
"This news protects Boley Park as an amenity, the schools, and a Grade II listed building in the vicinity."
Mr Begley said the group would remain vigilant over phone masts.
He urged residents to contact the group if they receive letters notifying them of applications.
Mr Begley has also written to the city's MP, Michael Fabricant, to gauge his opinion.
For more information on the action group log on to http://www.boleyparkaction.org.uk
[ http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/boleypark/index.htm ]
A spokesman for T-Mobile said the company had withdrawn the appeal to review the situation.
But he insisted coverage was needed for the area and that the company would look to try again elsewhere.
© Express & Star Ltd, 1997-2006
http://www.expressandstar.com/articles/news/es/article_87998.php
Mar 11, 2006
Campaigners in Lichfield braced to fight revived plans to put a mobile phone near school buildings in their community have forced a U-turn by a mobile giant.
T-Mobile appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after its bid to put up a 15-metre mast on land near Ryknild Street and Tamworth Road was refused by councillors in January.
But the firm has now withdrawn its appeal and the inspectorate has closed the file.
The scheme caused outrage among neighbours and more than 1,600 signed a petition objecting to the mast, with letters also sent to Lichfield District Council.
Campaign organisers Boley Park Action Group, said they were concerned for pupils at King Edward VI High School and the play group at Boley Park Community Centre because of claims radiation could affect health.
They were delighted when Lichfield District Council threw out T-Mobile's application in January but expected to fight again. Now they hope to relax.
Alan Begley, action group spokesman, said: "T-Mobile have withdrawn the appeal because of the weight of evidence put forward.
"I am very pleased - the strength of the people has carried this through.
"The people have won the day.
"I am very pleased, and grateful, for their support.
"This news protects Boley Park as an amenity, the schools, and a Grade II listed building in the vicinity."
Mr Begley said the group would remain vigilant over phone masts.
He urged residents to contact the group if they receive letters notifying them of applications.
Mr Begley has also written to the city's MP, Michael Fabricant, to gauge his opinion.
For more information on the action group log on to http://www.boleyparkaction.org.uk
[ http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/boleypark/index.htm ]
A spokesman for T-Mobile said the company had withdrawn the appeal to review the situation.
But he insisted coverage was needed for the area and that the company would look to try again elsewhere.
© Express & Star Ltd, 1997-2006
http://www.expressandstar.com/articles/news/es/article_87998.php
rudkla - 11. Mär, 16:01
