T-Mobile mast scheme rejected

Plans to site a 38ft mobile phone mast at a shopping centre in Rugeley have been thrown out by planning officers who used their delegated powers.

Concerns were voiced over T-Mobile's bid to install a phone mast at Fernwood Shopping Centre, in Green Lane, amid possible health implications and the way it would look.

Planning officers at Cannock Chase District Council have now used their delegated powers to refuse planning permission for the equipment to be put at that location.

They decided it would have a detrimental effect on the appearance of the area.

Councillor Brian Williams, who represents Etching Hill and the Heath ward, said: "Common sense has finally prevailed.

"I'd ban mobile phones if I could, and this is certainly the right decision because there are a lot of worries about the effect these things have on people's health."

Opponents were worried it would overlook Western Springs Primary School and claimed it should be refused for health reasons.

T-Mobile submitted their plan to the council on March 19 and wanted the all-clear to put the equipment there.

The mast would have been 11.7 metres (38ft 4in) tall and would have been put on the car park at Fernwood Shopping Centre.

Plans were for one monopole supporting three antennae in a shroud with equipment cabinets at ground level and other ancillary apparatus.