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School mast plan is rejected

Adam Derbyshire
16/ 2/2005

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to erect a mobile phone mast yards from a primary school has been thrown out again by planning chiefs concerned about potential health risks.

Orange struck a deal with Dukinfield Cricket Club to site the equipment at the ground, which is next to Clarendon Fields Primary.

The original application was blocked after fears were raised over its safety by parents and neighbours. In addition, it was argued the 15-metre high mast had a "harsh and hostile" appearance.

Orange submitted a new application replacing the original mast with a slimline version. And at speaker's panel, councillors were urged to rubber-stamp the proposals by planning officers.

But Councillor John Taylor claimed councillors had not been given the full facts.

Reading from an inspector's report, he referred to the first time the application had been refused.

"It's here in black and white. The fears of local residents were relevant in his decision," he said.

"There are many questions still to be answered over the safety of these masts. No one thought electricity pylons were harmful at the beginning, but over the years it has been proved they are.

"Orange wanted to put this on a sports ground and next to a primary school where children play every day."

Peter Taylor, chairman of Dukinfield Cricket Club, insisted they didn't want to upset people but "just want to be here in the future."