RESIDENTS of Winwick, Warrington, are celebrating after borough council planners rejected proposals for a 25-metre high telephone mast on Delph Lane.
The refusal follows a wave of local objections, including two from local Cllrs Stuart Mann and Kevin Burgess, which highlighted that the location was wholly unsuitable.
Both Cllrs. stated that the mast would have sat less than half a mile from at least three existing masts, while being in close proximity to five homes and over 200 newly built properties just a little further away. Understandably, concerns about the possible impact on property values and residential amenity were raised.
Coverage data also suggested there was no pressing need for such a development, with 3G, 4G and 5G services already more than adequate in the area.
Perhaps the most striking issue was the mast’s scale and design. At 25 metres, the industrial-style tower would have loomed over a rural landscape, completely out of character with its surroundings.
Cllr Mann told Warrington worldwide: “A quick look at a map and anyone can see that alternative sites exist that could meet technical requirements without causing such harm – particularly closer to the motorway corridor and within the M6/M62 interchange, where masts can be more sensitively located away from homes and in keeping with existing infrastructure.
“This decision is a clear win for local residents and for common sense. It shows that strong, reasoned objections can and do make a difference in protecting the character of our community.”
