ANGRY residents have lodged strong objections to a plan for a 57ft high mobile ‘phone mast at Appleton.
More than 50 residents packed into a meeting of the parish council to make their protests heard – and won the immediate backing of councillors.
The parish council decided to send its own strongly-worded to the objection to the application put forward by Telefonia O2 for a site at the junction of Dipping Brook Avenue, Pewterspear Green Road and Longwood
Road.
Residents protested at the visual impact of the mast and its associated equipment cabin, road safety implications and possible health risks – particularly in view of the proximity of a children’s play area.
Councillors agreed to support the protest.
They agreed to send an objection on the grounds the proposal contravened the Warrington Unitary Development Plan because the mast and associated equipment would damage the character and appearance of the area because of their size and prominent position.
They also pointed out no measures were being taken to minimize the harm to the area, with only minimal investigation into alternative suitable sites and no evidence as to why mast-sharing with existing installations could not be considered.
They also claimed the mast and cabinet would distract motorists, affect the amenity of pedestrians and was closed to a well-used children’s play area in Hatfield Gardens.
The area was also used as a pick up and drop off point for school buses.
