21/07/2005 Molesey News and Mail

ELMBRIDGE Council has stopped a 12-metre phone mast being erected on land near to Somerset Close in Hersham.

In June, telecoms operator Vodafone sent the council a notice of its intention to erect a column supporting three antennae and an equipment cabin near to dozens of homes.

Full planning permission is not needed for any phone mast less than 15 metres tall. Operators must notify the council where they intend to put up a mast, which then gives the opportunity for the council to refuse prior approval.

Objectors were notified of the council decision on Tuesday. Tara Howland, who was involved in the protest, told the news & Mail:

“I’m very pleased, however I feel it’s just we may have won the battle but we may not have won the war.

“They can now go to appeal and that appeal. It’s a question of waiting to see what Vodafone’s next move is. I’m very, very pleased that that initial application has been turned down but I’m not naïve enough to think it’s the end of the story but we will keep on battling.”