PEOPLE'S VICTORY: 670 objectors fight off plan for Condorrat phone mast
Cumbernaud Today
PEOPLE Power has triumphed in Cumber-nauld following a special meeting last week - after North Lanarkshire Council planners got more than they bargained for when objections flooded in to the construction of a phone mast at the Condorrat Ring Road.
The 15ft mast which had been proposed by mobile phone giants T Mobile was to be situated to the west of Avonhead Gardens - in a move which did not pass muster with residents who already have two similar masts in their midst.
One mast already exists at the Ring Road - and another in Lomond Court is set to be 'enhanced' with more powerful antennae under special planning guidelines which cannot be opposed by the public.
The issue was first aired at a planning meeting in April - where it swiftly became apparent that the community felt ill at ease with the as-yet inconclusive evidence that the masts represent a radioactive risk with their emissions. The fact that three schools - Baird Memorial, St Helen's and Condorrat Primaries - lay within a very close proximity to the mast was a cause of alarm to parents - many of whom signed a petition which attracted 670 signatures.
Objections were also received from Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP Cathie Craigie, Condorrat Community Council plus local councillor Gerry McElroy who insisted planners make a site visit to Condorrat and hold an individual hearing on the matter.
That took place on Friday when the objectors told planners in no uncertain terms why they could not support another mast in their community.
And the result has been the cause of much jubilation in Condorrat.
Councillor McElroy said: "We had our day in court - and we are absolutely delighted at the outcome. We felt that this was just a pole too far and I am glad that the planning and environment committee listened to our concerns."
Bobby Johnston of the community council added: "With the other masts, this was turning into a cluster. With these three schools nearby, it is not a risk we were willing to take."
By CLARE GRANT
06 July 2005
PEOPLE Power has triumphed in Cumber-nauld following a special meeting last week - after North Lanarkshire Council planners got more than they bargained for when objections flooded in to the construction of a phone mast at the Condorrat Ring Road.
The 15ft mast which had been proposed by mobile phone giants T Mobile was to be situated to the west of Avonhead Gardens - in a move which did not pass muster with residents who already have two similar masts in their midst.
One mast already exists at the Ring Road - and another in Lomond Court is set to be 'enhanced' with more powerful antennae under special planning guidelines which cannot be opposed by the public.
The issue was first aired at a planning meeting in April - where it swiftly became apparent that the community felt ill at ease with the as-yet inconclusive evidence that the masts represent a radioactive risk with their emissions. The fact that three schools - Baird Memorial, St Helen's and Condorrat Primaries - lay within a very close proximity to the mast was a cause of alarm to parents - many of whom signed a petition which attracted 670 signatures.
Objections were also received from Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP Cathie Craigie, Condorrat Community Council plus local councillor Gerry McElroy who insisted planners make a site visit to Condorrat and hold an individual hearing on the matter.
That took place on Friday when the objectors told planners in no uncertain terms why they could not support another mast in their community.
And the result has been the cause of much jubilation in Condorrat.
Councillor McElroy said: "We had our day in court - and we are absolutely delighted at the outcome. We felt that this was just a pole too far and I am glad that the planning and environment committee listened to our concerns."
Bobby Johnston of the community council added: "With the other masts, this was turning into a cluster. With these three schools nearby, it is not a risk we were willing to take."
By CLARE GRANT
06 July 2005
Starmail - 7. Jul, 10:42
