Village fights mast at goat farm
BBC News website 30.08.05
Brian Willcock faces getting rid of his goats if the mast is installed
Residents in an East Sussex village are fighting a fifth application to site a mobile phone mast near their homes.
O2 wants to site a 20m (60ft) mast at Nutley in the Ashdown Forest, next to Humphrey's Farm, where Brian Willcock makes organic goats' milk and cheese.
Mr Willcock said if it was approved, the goats would have to go because of fears radiation could affect the milk.
O2 said it believed the site was the best choice in the locality and was chosen from a range of options.
Good coverage
The company said it had held consultations on the siting of the mast over several months.
At least 60 residents have sent letters to Wealden District Council opposing the mast.
They believe it conflicts with a planning document which states "any development in the High Weald must enhance and beautify the surrounding area".
Residents question whether the mast is needed, as there is already good mobile coverage in the area.
They say they have already defeated four similar applications for masts and are ready to fight again.
Mr Willcock said the proposed site for the mast was in a field 8-9m (24-27ft) from his kidding house.
"It is a highly dangerous place to put a mast," he said.
"The herd would have to go because we couldn't risk selling milk that might be altered. People buy it for health reasons."
Brian Willcock faces getting rid of his goats if the mast is installed
Residents in an East Sussex village are fighting a fifth application to site a mobile phone mast near their homes.
O2 wants to site a 20m (60ft) mast at Nutley in the Ashdown Forest, next to Humphrey's Farm, where Brian Willcock makes organic goats' milk and cheese.
Mr Willcock said if it was approved, the goats would have to go because of fears radiation could affect the milk.
O2 said it believed the site was the best choice in the locality and was chosen from a range of options.
Good coverage
The company said it had held consultations on the siting of the mast over several months.
At least 60 residents have sent letters to Wealden District Council opposing the mast.
They believe it conflicts with a planning document which states "any development in the High Weald must enhance and beautify the surrounding area".
Residents question whether the mast is needed, as there is already good mobile coverage in the area.
They say they have already defeated four similar applications for masts and are ready to fight again.
Mr Willcock said the proposed site for the mast was in a field 8-9m (24-27ft) from his kidding house.
"It is a highly dangerous place to put a mast," he said.
"The herd would have to go because we couldn't risk selling milk that might be altered. People buy it for health reasons."
Starmail - 31. Aug, 15:04
