Health concerns oust mast bid

Campaigners win mast fight
by Gill Jenkins Friday 17 March 2006

CAMPAIGNERS battling against plans for a phone mast near the Thomas Hardye School are celebrating today after planners rejected the proposal on health grounds.

Officers from West Dorset District Council had recommended that the mast for phone company '3' on land at Dorchester Rugby Club be rejected on the grounds that it would have an adverse effect on the setting of Maiden Castle.

But members of the council's development control east committee also agreed to reject the proposal on health grounds after campaigners raised fears that the health of people living nearby the mast and those attending the school could be affected if it was to go ahead.

Mark Cummins of Coburg Road said that the health of his family and that of children attending the school could be affected if the mast was to go ahead.

"I am asking you to reject it primarily on health grounds and not only on visual intrusion," he said.

Debbie Illes of Holmead Walk urged the council to consider the perceived health risks that people were feeling.

Local member for the area Coun Trevor Jones said: "I suspect that you are going to turn down this application today. The question is on what grounds."

He suggested that the committee refuse it on health grounds as well as the affect the flagpole-style mast would have on Maiden Castle.

"If you do and the applicant appeals against the refusal it would be the opportunity to test the refusal on health grounds.

Coun Stephen Friar proposed that the mast be turned down because of the possible health risks it might have.

"It's adversely affecting the amenity of the people that live in the vicinity. They have a fair perception of possible harm - physical harm."

Members of the committee unanimously rejected the application.

A delighted Coun David Barrett, who spearheaded the campaign against the mast said: "I am extremely pleased. A lot of people have put an awful lot of effort to fight this.

"I am grateful that the committee listened to what local people had to say before making their decision and would like to thank the planning committee for standing up for the children and the public."

He said that although the campaigners had won the first round of the battle they would be preparing to continue the fight if the company appealed.

Article kindly reproduced from www.thisisdorset.net.