Lowhill mast is a high talking point
Bromsgrove Standard 23 June 05
A TOTAL of 363 South Birmingham residents have signed a petition to protest at the controversial proposal to build a mobile phone mast in Rednal.
And, in addition to the signatures, more than 50 people turned up to a special meeting on Tuesday (June 21) at St Stephen's Church to voice their concerns.
The action relates to an application by T-Mobile to build an 18.7metre mobile phone mast on the corner of Lowhill Lane and Lickey Road which residents feel be a blot on the landscape.
Joanne Davey, a member of the group, said: "There has been an awful lot of concern from residents who think it will spoil the appearance of the local area.
"There are schools, nurseries and around 400 houses in the surrounding area and everyone will be forced to look at it on a daily basis.
"And we are also concerned that it will become another area for kids to hang out in and graffitti."
MP Richard Burden was unable to make the meeting due to parliamentary business in London, but sent a representative on his behalf.
"I am also pleased that local councillors were there - it is very important that the council takes into consideration what residents have to say on matters such as these, and listen to their views,” he added.
The deadline for letters against the proposal was June 22, but this has now been extended to Wednesday (June 29).
A T-Mobile spokesperson said it recognised that one of its biggest challenges was minimising the impact on the environment.
"When a new mast is needed, we try to reduce the impact on the local environment with sensitive siting, innovative design, and where appropriate landscaping.
"We are always conscious of local wildlife and conversation," he added.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said the application was being considered and if it was going to committee it would probably be on July 7.
A TOTAL of 363 South Birmingham residents have signed a petition to protest at the controversial proposal to build a mobile phone mast in Rednal.
And, in addition to the signatures, more than 50 people turned up to a special meeting on Tuesday (June 21) at St Stephen's Church to voice their concerns.
The action relates to an application by T-Mobile to build an 18.7metre mobile phone mast on the corner of Lowhill Lane and Lickey Road which residents feel be a blot on the landscape.
Joanne Davey, a member of the group, said: "There has been an awful lot of concern from residents who think it will spoil the appearance of the local area.
"There are schools, nurseries and around 400 houses in the surrounding area and everyone will be forced to look at it on a daily basis.
"And we are also concerned that it will become another area for kids to hang out in and graffitti."
MP Richard Burden was unable to make the meeting due to parliamentary business in London, but sent a representative on his behalf.
"I am also pleased that local councillors were there - it is very important that the council takes into consideration what residents have to say on matters such as these, and listen to their views,” he added.
The deadline for letters against the proposal was June 22, but this has now been extended to Wednesday (June 29).
A T-Mobile spokesperson said it recognised that one of its biggest challenges was minimising the impact on the environment.
"When a new mast is needed, we try to reduce the impact on the local environment with sensitive siting, innovative design, and where appropriate landscaping.
"We are always conscious of local wildlife and conversation," he added.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said the application was being considered and if it was going to committee it would probably be on July 7.
Starmail - 24. Jun, 17:46
