LOCAL MP Mike Amesbury is urging a telecoms company to find a more suitable location for its 5G mobile phone mast after plans were refused for the third time.
Mr Amesbury is relieved planners rejected Three UK’s latest application for equipment fronting Fluin Lane, close to the junction for The Willows.
The original 18m mast design was rejected but reduced to 15m in the second application, which was also refused.
In the third submission, the 15m pole design was slightly narrower but Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) maintained its consistent stance, saying the antenna would represent an ‘incongruous feature within the street scene’.
Mr Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, said: “I wrote to Three at the beginning of this saga to explain that it was an inappropriate location for such a prominent mast and in the middle of a residential area, very close to houses on The Willows.
“I have also made objections to the planning authority in response to constituents’ concerns. I, like the planners, have asked Three why a more suitable location cannot be found as this must be the way forward.
“Come on Three, you’re in the business of communications. Isn’t it time to listen?”
There were 18 representations received in relation to the latest plan with objections concerning the visual impact of the mast, on highway safety being close to a busy junction and harm to nearby homes.
In refusing permission, CWaC planners concluded: “In summary, it is considered prior approval is required for the siting and appearance of the proposal but is subsequently refused on the grounds that the proposed development would form an incongruous feature within the street scene and cause demonstrable visual harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.
“In addition, insufficient evidence has been submitted to justify the proposed development with regards to more suitable alternatives.”