Campaigners face renewed battle over phone mast

1:21pm Thursday 4th January 2001

CAMPAIGNERS, who thought they had seen off plans for a 70ft mobile phone mast in Nascot Wood, have discovered the battle is back on.

People living near the proposed mast site in Willow Grange, Grange Close, celebrated in June last year when Watford Council turned down the application following a petition, poster and letter-writing campaign.

But the developer, Telecom Securicor Cellular Radio, has appealed against this decision, leaving residents sad and angry at the situation.

Mr Philip Clegg, chairman of the Manor Road Residents' Association, which represents people living closest to the proposed site, said: "We found out a couple of weeks ago and it made for quite a depressing Christmas.

"We thought we had seen the end of this risk to our children's health, but now we are facing it again.

"There is not much more we can do because we spent all our budget printing leaflets and doing mailshots before.

"We hope to encourage as many people as possible to write to the planning inspectorate, who will make the decision."

When the planned mast was turned down by Watford Council, it was against the advice of its own officers and the leader of the council, Vince Muspratt.

Cllr Muspratt agreed with the officers' argument there were no legitimate planning grounds to refuse permission because the Government does not accept the masts are a health risk.

At that time, 43 similar masts had been turned down by local authorities on the basis of electromagnetic radiation and health fears, but all these decisions had been over-turned on appeal.

The most recent Government study into telecommunication masts, the Stewart Report, found no conclusive evidence of health problems but recommended a precautionary approach until studies had been carried out.

Mr Clegg believes this supports the residents' case. He said: "Our objections to the mast have not changed. We believe it it a health risk, particularly to children.

"That is our main concern because this is a residential area, and it is close to a school and to West Herts College.

"People will be living and sleeping right next to this thing.

"If they win the appeal and the mast is built, I think we will move away. We have already thought about it and, with two children, we cannot live next door to something that will harm their health."

Mr Clegg fears the developer will be successful in its appeal, a fear shared by Councillor Muspratt.

Cllr Muspratt said: "At the time it was turned down, I did not think there was any legitimate planning reasons to do so and that has not changed.

"There have been no changes in the planning laws affecting mobile phone masts that I am aware of.

"But, whatever I think, the council took a decision to turn the mast down and the officer will defend that decision at the appeal."

Watford Council has written to the planning inspectorate asking the appeal be heard at a public inquiry because of the strength of residents' feelings."

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