COUNCILLORS and residents of Great Boughton and Huntington have united to fight plans for a ‘visual insult’ mobile phone mast near a local beauty spot.
If approved by the council, the 18-metre Vodafone mast will be erected at Butterbache Pumping Station, Chester Road, near Caldy Valley Nature Park.
Father-of-two Pete Rowe, of Bramble Close, said he feared many residents – including those with children at nearby Dee Banks School – were unaware of the proposals.
He said: “When it’s in an area of natural beauty, we don’t think it’s appropriate. There aren’t many tall trees in the area, so it’s going to stand out.
“Another primary reason we’re opposed is that we don’t really know what the health repercussions for our children may be.”
Dodleston and Huntington councillor Mark Williams called on members of the public to add their voices to the chorus of objection.
He said: “The proposed telecom mast is in the wrong site with the wrong design and in a highly sensitive natural park area of Caldy Valley.
“Its 18m height will tower over trees in the park and be a visual insult to the hundreds of voluntary workers over more than 20 years who have worked tirelessly to keep this area as natural and controlled as it is now.”
Great Boughton councillor Keith Board added: “The planning law, as we know, gives the phone company much scope in these matters, so if we are to stop it we must show a united front.”
Local authorities may object to proposals of this type on grounds of siting and appearance only.
The deadline for representations to the council is February 15 and all correspondence should quote application reference 12/00110/TEL.
Details of the plans are available at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk. Readers can also add comments to Huntington Parish Council’s Facebook page.
