Contested 24-meter 3G telecom tower slated for disposal following denied planning appeal
In the quaint town of Thetford, a 24-meter high 3G mast, installed by Searle Electrical in 2021 without obtaining planning permission, has sparked controversy among locals and the council. The mast, situated on Star Lane, stands tall near several houses, causing concern among residents who argue that its height exceeds the permitted height for masts under Part 16 of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015.
The mast's installation has been met with resistance from the local community, with many writing to the council to express their concerns. The locals' efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the council ruled against granting planning permission for the mast, stating it is intrusive and harmful.
The planning inspector, acknowledging the public benefits associated with the mast, noted that these benefits were outweighed by the mast's intrusive nature. However, the case for the mast's removal gained momentum when the council rejected a retrospective planning application seeking to keep the mast in place for 12 months this month.
Russell Cooke, a law firm known for leading successful appeals against mobile phone masts, outlined that objecting to such installations can take place in two areas: if planning to redevelop the property or if the prejudice to the individual outweighs the public benefit. In the case of the mast in Thetford, the Bugeja couple, who live near the mast, argued that it would devalue their property, adding weight to the locals' case.
Despite the challenges faced in objecting to the installation of masts, if high-quality mobile phone networks are considered a significant public benefit, it can make the process more difficult. However, redevelopment offers a stronger position to resist the operator's proposals, especially if concrete plans exist, such as already having planning permission.
As of now, the law firm that successfully leads appeals against mobile phone masts and was involved in the case of the mast in Thetford remains unnamed in the provided search results. The future of the mast in Thetford remains uncertain, but the council's recent decision to reject the retrospective planning application offers hope to the local community who have been fighting for its removal.
