New 'Monster Mast' Planned by Wellmeadow Road Allotments
Vodaphone wants to put 20 metre high monopole near Boston Manor Road
The site of the planned mast next to Wellmeadow Road Allotments
March 17, 2023
Vodaphone, the mobile phone network, is making another attempt to build a so-called Monster Mast at the Wellmeadow Road Allotments.
Following the abandonment of an application for an earlier proposal made in July last year, the new plan (PA/2023/0600) is for a 20-metre high 5G monopole with 12 antennas and four dishes with three ground based cabinets.
This would be twice the height of nearby trees and nearly three times as tall as neighbouring properties.
The company has notified the council of prior approval of the plan which means that it has to be determined whether or not a full planning application is required which would normally happen if there was a significant local impact.
The mast would be at the rear of the allotments on Boston Manor Road. Residents are objecting on the grounds of the mast being unsightly, due to the impact it would have on wildlife in the area and poor communication of what is being planned by Vodaphone.
The reason given earlier for a need for a mast at this site was that it was required to replace an existing one that was being removed from Boundary House. The first proposal was refused by Hounslow Council’s planning officers in September 2022 on the grounds that “it would have a harmful effect on the character, appearance and biodiversity of the allotment site and Metropolitan Open Land, and undermine the allotment’s sites continued successful use, contrary to Local Plan Policies CC1, CC2, GB7 and EC4.” The decision followed 159 objections being made by local residents.
People living nearby describe the design changes as miniscule with the mast only 2.5 metres smaller in height than before and they contend that this does not negate any of the reasons for the previous refusal.
It is also argued that the plan directly contravenes Hounslow’s Allotment Strategy 2020-2025 which states “The overall vision for allotments in Hounslow is to maximise their value for health and well-being, stronger communities, biodiversity and sustainable living”.
Drawing of proposed structure submitted by Vodaphone
It you wish to comment on the application you must do so online prior to the deadline on Wednesday 22 March .
You can do this via the Hounslow Council web site www.hounslow.gov.uk/planning under the comments section of ref no PA/2023/0600
To access this:
• Click on “Search planning applications”
• Accept the terms and conditions
• Click on “Planning search”
• On “Quick search” enter System Reference PA/2023/0600
• Click on the reference number
To add your comments you will need to click on “Comment on this application” and complete the form.
You can also email comments to planningcomments@hounslow.gov.uk making sure you include the application reference.
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