Haverhill Echo

Haverhill MP Richard Spring has written to the Planning Inspectorate, urging its officers to refuse an appeal by Hutchison 3G for a telecommunications mast at Hazel Stub roundabout.

Hutchison 3G is appealing against the decision by St Edmundsbury Borough Council's planning committee to refuse planning permission for the mast, which would support 3G mobile phones.
Nearby residents had fought a determined campaign against the mast.

In his letter, Mr Spring said: "I wish to personally oppose this appeal and hope that you will refuse it. It would certainly not be in the best interests of my constituents to allow the base station to go ahead." Mr Spring had previously shown his support for the residents' campaign, attending a rally in the town centre.

Residents are concerned about the potential health risks from siting a mast so close to properties and schools.

Mr Spring said: "I have never before witnessed so much vociferous objection to a planning application in my time as a Member of Parliament."

The appeal will be dealt with by a planning inspector, but it could go to a public inquiry.

02 June 2005