Phone mast plans rubber stamped

Plans to erect a 14.8m high telephone mast in Middleton have been passed.

The decision was made at a planning meeting in Middleton last night (Wednesday 28 July 2010)

The telecommunication pole with 6 antennae and other equipment will be erected on behalf of mobile phone provider Vodafone close to Alkrington Service Station, Middleton.

The application site is a grassed area to the side of the service station. To the rear of the site there is a row of domestic garages and open space beyond which, approximately 65 metres away, are dwellings on Warwick Close.

One letter of objection was received prior to the meeting; however, no objectors attended.

The publicity period for the application does not expire until the 27 July 2010.

Councillor Carol Wardle explained that without good reason to reject the plans the planning committee could be faced with a fine.

She said: “Everybody has mobile phones and want signal, although there are some concerns until they’re proven there is no reason to refuse the plans.”

Councillor Alan Godson an objector of the plans said: “As far as I am concerned it is a no go but since they moved the goal posts a few years ago, that’s the way it goes, it has to be passed otherwise we will incur costs.

“I am not convinced that it is safe, they have yet to prove it is dangerous but they also have to prove that it is safe.

“One upon time we thought asbestos was safe.

"I am against this on health grounds."