Permission denied for mobile phone masts

Permission to erect two telecommunication poles in Rochdale has been denied because it is thought they would be detrimental to visual amenity.

The first mast was proposed for land fronting Edenfield Road and the corner of Bagslate Moor Road and would be 14.8 metres high.

The planning application was called to committee by Councillor James Gartiside who  commented that the application creates street clutter at a busy junction as well as being located next to a garage at which mobile phones are not to be used.

The second mast was proposed to be erected in front of Success to the Plough on Bolton Road.

Letters of objections were received. Objectors raised concerns about health risks, particularly for young children.

The design of the proposed masts comprises a “relatively slim” steel pole reaching 10.3 metres in height topped by a 4.5metre high shroud housing the antennae. A single equipment cabinet would be located at the base of the mast with a 0.9metre high meter pillar situated alongside.

The masts are thicker and 4.8 metres taller than surrounding lighting columns.

Both of the masts were for Vodafone and Telefonica O2. A representative for the companies said there has been a wave of objections but that in two or three years time these poles would be “the norm.”