Complaint over mast communication

Telecommunications company Vodafone wants to build the mast on farmland close to houses in Sandy Bank, Northallerton, to improve coverage for customers.

Residents have expressed concern about the proposed siting of the mast and its proximity to houses.

In a letter to Tyco Electronics, the company acting as agents on behalf of Vodafone, Gavin Leach wrote: “There seems to be a major lack of communication and consultation with local residents regarding the proposed mast.

“Many householders, within a very short distance of the site, have not been advised of the proposal, or given the opportunity to object.

“Only three houses have received advisory letters, even though the building of such a mast will affect approaching 100 properties.”

Mr Leach, of nearby Regency Court, said he has canvassed opinion among residents and had yet to find anyone in support of the mast.

As the local planning authority, Hambleton District Council is aware of Vodafone’s intention to build the mast.

However, permission to build the mast could be granted without the application coming before councillors.

This is because the proposed height of the mast falls short of needing formal planning permission.

Vodafone is required to inform the council of its plans, but does not necessarily need approval.

The council can step in if sufficient objections are made by people affected.

Maurice Cann, the district council’s head of development management, said planning officers had until mid-November to give a response.

A spokesman for Vodafone said: “The proposed station at Sandy Bank, Northallerton, is required to improve the 3G coverage to our customers in the surrounding area.

“The location was chosen after consideration of 15 other sites, as it provides a backdrop of trees against which the proposed pole and antennas will not be visually intrusive.

“As part of our consultation, we wrote to the local planning authority, local ward councillors and local residents.”