Battle to halt mast eyesore

The objectors say the proposal by T-Mobile will create an eyesore in a residential area.

The company wants to install the 11.7m high mast on a small grassed area at the junction of Merrion Avenue and Chichester Road, as the Observer reported last week.

But nearby homeowners are busy collecting signatures and sending letters of objection to Arun District Council before it considers the notification of intent by the telecoms company.

Chichester Road homeowner Peter Lee will be the resident living closest to the mast if it is installed. His front door is about 28 metres from its intended site.

'None of us around here want the mast. It will detract from the neighbourhood by being unsightly. The 40-50 houses in Merrion Avenue and everyone in Chichester Road between Hampshire Avenue and Westloats Lane will all be able to see it,' he said.

'Once the planning go-ahead has been given, other companies can come along and place what they want on it.'

The protestors have put forward seven issues which they believe mean the intended mast should be rejected. These include being an eyesore, its proximity to residential properties with young children and elderly people and its location leading maintenance vehicles to be parked in a hazardous place on the junction.

'This will cause vehicles to be unsighted,' explained Mr Lee, 'particularly in relation to the nearby pedestrian crossing used by schoolchildren and a bus stop.

'We also don't believe the mast is needed, though we understand the drive by the mobile phone companies to offer more services, because the coverage around here is good already.'

The protestors met Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Nick Gibb last Saturday (MAy 5) to press their case. Mr Gibb said he supported their views.

'I believe that siting such a huge telephone mast in the middle of a residential area, prominent and visible, will damage the whole ambience of this area.

'We all want to use our mobile phones but such masts should be sited away from residential areas.

'They should be placed away from peoples' homes, schools and hospitals. There are plenty of sites in the area that would be far more suitable.'

Mr Gibb has written to the district council urging its members to reject T Mobile's plans. He has also asked the company to look at alternative sites.