ANGRY residents are meeting tonight to consider their next move after permission was given for a phone mast in High Crompton.

They mounted a strong campaign against the proposed mast at Greenhill Farm but the scheme has got the go-ahead from Oldham Council.

For applicants 02, it is third time lucky after previous attempts to site the mast near the Waggon and Horses pub, Rochdale Road, and at the junction of Long Rushes and Trent Road came to nothing. However, there is widespread disappointment and anger among local people.

They submitted a 695-signature petition and individual letters arguing that the site was too close to their homes and High Crompton Park.

Other objections were that the 15 metre high monopole would blight the area and that there was already another mast near by.

Crompton councillor Ann Wingate, who was also opposed to it, said: “I recognise the real concerns of the residents about harmful emissions from this 50ft-high mast.”

One protester, Sandra Bolton, of Greenhill Avenue, said residents felt aggrieved the decision to grant permission was made by officers rather than by the planning committee.

She said: “People are not very happy at all. To have it decided by the swish of a pen considering the number of names on the petition and all the letters, is very disappointing.”

Mrs Bolton added that a group of residents was intending to meet tonight to discuss the next step but she admitted: “What we can do I don’t know.”

A council spokeswoman said the application had been granted prior approval by planning officers in accordance with set guidelines.


From Mast Network