‘DEVASTATED’ residents are considering leaving their homes after proposals for a mobile phone mast – which they say would ‘tower over’ their back gardens where their children play – were revived.
An application to build the 15-metre mast at the Grange Bowling Green in Tennant Close was rejected by Rugby Borough Council (RBC) in October on grounds it would have a “detrimental impact on the visual appearance and character of the area”.
But an appeal by applicants Shared Access and Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL) to the Planning Inspectorate was successful.
Planning inspector Rachel Walmsley said: “Overlooking and noise and disturbance would not impact on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers.
“The effect of planning decisions on property value is a matter beyond the general considerations of a planning nature.”
She also dismissed concerns over the possibility the mast’s non-ionising radiation could cause cancer, saying: “The proposal has been designed to conform with the guidelines published by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.”
Vinita and Sandeep Panikker, whose garden backs on to the bowling club, said they felt injustice was being done.
Vinita said: “We feel shocked and let down by the decision. A number of residents are considering leaving their homes.
“We are concerned about health risks – but planning decisions do not take these into consideration, hence our objections have been on planning grounds.
“We invited the Planning Inspectorate to visit our home to see what impact the mast would have. Sadly they did not reply.
“How can you predict the visual impact of a structure without seeing what it would look like from onlooking homes?
“Given there were 48 objection letters, three objections from local councillors, and the refusal in place by RBC, we feel the ruling is unjust and cannot make sense of it.
“We need the support of our councillors and MP to speak up for the children and families in our community.”
Coun Tim Douglas said he and his fellow Liberal Democrat Paddox ward councillors Noreen New and Jerry Roodhouse have written to party leader Vince Cable and the House of Lords.
He said: “Concerns have been raised about the potential risks these masts could pose to health.
“A judicial challenge is the only avenue after an appeal determination by the Planning Inspectorate. It is disappointing that the decision of a legitimate local authority has been overturned, and there is not really any cost effective scrutiny that can now happen on that decision.”
He added they were still awaiting a response from the Planning Inspectorate.
“Residents remain very concerned about the matter and it’s vital that the decision is made in a fair way,” he said.
Rugby MP Mark Pawsey said: “I appreciate the concerns of residents on this issue and did write on their behalf to Rugby Borough Council when this application was considered, asking them to take into account my constituent’s concerns when determining this application.”
