Council asks for mast move
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COUNCIL bosses are looking to persuade a mobile phone giant to erect its controversial Charlestown mast away from school children and residents.Cornwall Council will be having discussions with Vodafone following the backlash that has occurred after the company was permitted on appeal to construct the 10 metre high structure on land at Church Road.
Health fears have been raised about building the facility so close to Charlestown Primary School and nearby housing.
John Oxenham, St Austell Bay Cornwall Council councillor, has been working on the issue. He said: "We're not NIMBY's. There is major concern around the mast being so close to the school and residential properties.
"We just want to get somewhere else to put the mast where it is not going to effect the children and residents.
"There are very few legal options left when a planning inspector has agreed an appeal. The only way now is by negotiating with the service provider. We will try every avenue to resist the mast being erected to such a close proximity to the school and dwellings
"We're appealing to the good nature of Vodafone to find an alternative location. I suspect we will not get far. It will be difficult to find somewhere, which is acceptable that will reach into Charlestown. Whilst everyone appreciates the mast is needed because there is no coverage everyone is unhappy with the siting of the mast."
Charlestown Primary School headteacher Stephen Gibson is unhappy the opportunity to expand the school into certain parts of the site had been taken away after plans to build a mobile phone mast were given the go ahead.
He stated potential projects would have to be shelved as Government guidelines state masts have to be a certain distance away from schools. Mr Gibson believes Cornwall Council is powerless to make a difference.
He said: "What I have done is write to Vodafone asking them to reconsider. I have not heard back from them. Cornwall Council is powerless because the decision has been taken out of its hands."
A Cornwall Council spokesman said: “The council will be contacting the telecommunication operator to discuss the possibility of relocating the mast.
“However, in view of the fact that the operator gained permission for the mast at appeal, any negotiation is dependent on the operator being open to further negotiations.”
