Phone mast ‘unlikely’ to be given go-ahead
08 February 2007
EDITORIAL - news @royston-crow.co.uk
Not looking like a reality – the computer generated view of the proposed telephone mast
MOBILE phone giant O2 is considering whether to submit a planning application for a massive telecommunications mast in Royston.
And it has been told that any such proposals would probably be turned down.
Under planning rules North Herts District Council has to be approached to comment on the proposals before a planning application is submitted.
A district council spokesman said it has been told about the proposals to erect a 73ft mast on a site at the Royston telephone exchange.
The district council had told O2 that it would be "unlikely" to accept a proposal due to its height and its position on the edge of a conservation area.
National Grid Wireless, which is acting as agent for O2, said it was currently examining responses to the mast proposal.
Once this has taken place it will decide on "a way forward".
Meanwhile, Dr Stephanie North, a member of protest groups that includes residents in Palace Gardens and Kneesworth Street, Royston, said: "We will have to wait to see where it goes from here."
She said the district council had made a "sensible response" to the proposal.
"It is now back in the court of the company," she said.
National Grid Wireless said it chose the site at the telephone exchange because it had a lack of coverage in the area.
"The telephone exchange was the only site able to provide the coverage lacking in the area," it said.
It added: "The visual impact of the proposed mast has been kept to a minimum.
"It is a slim design and its height is needed to provide the required coverage.
Copyright © 2007 Archant Regional. All rights reserved.
http://tinyurl.com/26ywyu
EDITORIAL - news @royston-crow.co.uk
Not looking like a reality – the computer generated view of the proposed telephone mast
MOBILE phone giant O2 is considering whether to submit a planning application for a massive telecommunications mast in Royston.
And it has been told that any such proposals would probably be turned down.
Under planning rules North Herts District Council has to be approached to comment on the proposals before a planning application is submitted.
A district council spokesman said it has been told about the proposals to erect a 73ft mast on a site at the Royston telephone exchange.
The district council had told O2 that it would be "unlikely" to accept a proposal due to its height and its position on the edge of a conservation area.
National Grid Wireless, which is acting as agent for O2, said it was currently examining responses to the mast proposal.
Once this has taken place it will decide on "a way forward".
Meanwhile, Dr Stephanie North, a member of protest groups that includes residents in Palace Gardens and Kneesworth Street, Royston, said: "We will have to wait to see where it goes from here."
She said the district council had made a "sensible response" to the proposal.
"It is now back in the court of the company," she said.
National Grid Wireless said it chose the site at the telephone exchange because it had a lack of coverage in the area.
"The telephone exchange was the only site able to provide the coverage lacking in the area," it said.
It added: "The visual impact of the proposed mast has been kept to a minimum.
"It is a slim design and its height is needed to provide the required coverage.
Copyright © 2007 Archant Regional. All rights reserved.
http://tinyurl.com/26ywyu
rudkla - 8. Feb, 13:22
