Victory over phone mast

PLANS for a telecommunications mast to be put up in Blackboys have been thrown out by district planners for the second time.

The news was welcomed cautiously in the village but a celebration was put on hold because of the possibility that Orange could appeal against the decision.

The plan for a mast, disguised as a tree, to be placed on land at Blackboys Nursery went before Wealden Council last week but was unanimously refused.

A previous plan for a smaller mast was thrown out in December.

Campaigner against the mast Mr Jeff Lyons said speakers representing the village had done a "fantastic" job at the development control sub-commitee meeting.

Victory

"We had thought they couldn't approve something that was even worse than something that had been turned down before but you never know. It is a victory but we can't celebrate because we don't know what Orange will do now," said Mr Lyons.

A spokesman for Orange said it was too early to say what they would do next. "We will have to see the decision notice from the local authority and take a bit of time to mull it over before reaching any decision."

Letters from 69 objectors and a petition of 128 signatures against the plan were received by the council. Framfield Parish Council had opposed it and the chair of governors of Blackboys Primary School objected on grounds of visual impact and health fears. There was one letter of support.

Senior planning officer Douglas Moss had recommended approval subject to conditions but councillors voted unanimously against .

Mr Moss said reasons for refusal were that the height and size of the mast would have an adverse effect on Low Weald landscape, and that its siting near homes raised fears of health risks.