A PROPOSAL by a mobile phone company to extend an existing mast in Bushey was turned down by Hertsmere Borough Council last week.

Members of Bushey and Aldenham planning sub-committee voted against extending the mast in Merry Hill Road by three metres.

Council officers had recommended the plan be approved.

Secretary of the Merry Hill Residents' Association Roz Armitage-Brain, who spoke against the application at the meeting on Thursday, June 6, said the mast was already "an obtrusive ugly structure" and out of character with the area.

She asked for alternative sites to be considered.

Out of 33 letters of notification sent out, the authority received 27 replies from residents arguing the extension, including two equipment cabins and antennae, would dominate the street scene.

Residents also objected to the proposal on health grounds.

Councillors agreed the extension would be a "visual intrusion into the Green Belt".

Councillor John Graham asked for the application to be deferred as it was "premature" to consider it until members had attended a council seminar on mast applications.

Vice-chairman Martin Saunders proposed a deferral while technical matters were considered.

However, Councillors Seamus Quilty, Miki Colne, Frank Ward and chairman Carey Keates said a deferral would make no difference as they would be voting against the extensions on amenity rather than health grounds. Councillor Quilty said the application "breaches Green Belt policy".

Members voted against a deferral and turned down the application.

June 17, 2002 12:00