CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a 25-metre-tall mast on a popular playing field have been refused for the second time in four months.
Phone network giants EE saw their revised plans for the apparatus thrown out despite decreasing its height from 27.5 meters, as proposed in an application refused in November 2020.
The phone company wanted to put the mast up on Harmans Water playing fields off Calfridus Way, near The Wayz youth centre, in order to improve their coverage for the surrounding area.
But councillors rebelled against a council officer’s recommendation to approve the plans after 164 objections against the proposal were lodged.
The phone mast would have gone up on off Calfridus Way in Harmans Water
Harmans Water councillor Chris Turrell said: “This application is very similar to one that was heard by the committee just [four] months ago.
“It has basically been brought back with all particulars the same except with an adjustment to qualify for permitted development.
“The objectors know the field very well, it is very well used.
READ MORE: The phone mast plan which has attracted more than 100 objections
“In the last year, we have all had plenty of opportunity to use our local playing field.
“I did feel that by putting in such a similar application the applicant is being very provocative. That’s a concern.”
Cllr Turrell said he was concerned that in order to access the site, EE would have to cut down vegetation or remove the rugby pitches on the field.
Phone giants EE want to put the phone mast on the playing fields off Calfridus Way
He also said the mast would harm the character and appearance of the surrounding area and would not enhance the local green space.
For these reasons, he claimed, the proposal would go against town, borough and national planning policies.
READ MORE: Why the original plan for a phone mast in Harmans Water was refused
His colleague, councillor Michael Gbadebo, pondered why this site been chosen.
He said: “I’m worried -- I’m looking at the map and thinking they should be able to putit somewhere else to cover more and still achieve the same thing.
“In my mind, I’m not convinced that’s the only spot they can put it.
“In my Lehman’s view, I think there are other places that will better serve what they are trying to do.”
READ MORE: Phone mast planned for Bracknell Thames Water site
Following a debate on the plans, almost all councillors present at the Bracknell Forest planning committee meeting voted against the proposal on the basis of the reasons provided by Cllr Turrell.
Only Cllr Michael Brossard voted in favour of the scheme at the meeting, held on Thursday, February 25.
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