'Blackpool Tower' mast to be lowered
Dec 29 2006
Chester Chronicle
A MOBILE phone giant is to lower Chester's highest mast by five metres after admitting a planning bungle.
T-Mobile's mast at Tile Farm, Guilden Sutton, was dubbed Blackpool Tower by angry residents when it was erected earlier this year.
A series of blunders further angered people in Littleton, who were not consulted when the proposal came before planners.
They later highlighted an error in drawings put before the Planning Board which showed the mast as 37.5m with the trees standing at 35m. City council measurements revealed the trees were 10m shorter leaving the mast towering over neighbouring houses.
This week, T-Mobile spokesman Richard Owens said: 'There was some genuine confusion over the tree height in the planning stage and we're happy to make a goodwill gesture on a one off basis.'
But he admitted the mast will still be visible to ensure continued coverage.
Mr Owens added: 'This doesn't entirely please everyone but is a deal which accommodates the resident's views without compromising coverage.'
Huw Morgan, of Tarvin Road, is in the process of discussing the compromise with other members of Littleton Mast Action Group.
He said: 'We're disappointed at this small reduction. Now we might push for an enquiry into how this mast came into being without the residents being advised.
'We may even continue our fight for it to be relocated.'
David Taylor, clerk of Littleton Parish Council, said: 'A great deal of pressure has been brought to bear on a number of levels on T-Mobile and we are all very pleased with this kind of result.'
City Councillor Brian Bailey said: 'I think this may be the first time a mobile company has agreed to reduce the height of its masts. We're now trying to settle the details with surveyors.'
© owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Limited 2006
http://tinyurl.com/y33m43
Chester Chronicle
A MOBILE phone giant is to lower Chester's highest mast by five metres after admitting a planning bungle.
T-Mobile's mast at Tile Farm, Guilden Sutton, was dubbed Blackpool Tower by angry residents when it was erected earlier this year.
A series of blunders further angered people in Littleton, who were not consulted when the proposal came before planners.
They later highlighted an error in drawings put before the Planning Board which showed the mast as 37.5m with the trees standing at 35m. City council measurements revealed the trees were 10m shorter leaving the mast towering over neighbouring houses.
This week, T-Mobile spokesman Richard Owens said: 'There was some genuine confusion over the tree height in the planning stage and we're happy to make a goodwill gesture on a one off basis.'
But he admitted the mast will still be visible to ensure continued coverage.
Mr Owens added: 'This doesn't entirely please everyone but is a deal which accommodates the resident's views without compromising coverage.'
Huw Morgan, of Tarvin Road, is in the process of discussing the compromise with other members of Littleton Mast Action Group.
He said: 'We're disappointed at this small reduction. Now we might push for an enquiry into how this mast came into being without the residents being advised.
'We may even continue our fight for it to be relocated.'
David Taylor, clerk of Littleton Parish Council, said: 'A great deal of pressure has been brought to bear on a number of levels on T-Mobile and we are all very pleased with this kind of result.'
City Councillor Brian Bailey said: 'I think this may be the first time a mobile company has agreed to reduce the height of its masts. We're now trying to settle the details with surveyors.'
© owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Limited 2006
http://tinyurl.com/y33m43
rudkla - 29. Dez, 15:46
