A plan to install a 22.5-metre-high 5G monopole phone mast on the Ponderosa playing fields in Tile Hill has been rejected. Woodlands Ward Councillors have welcomed the Council's refusal of the application, submitted on behalf of Vodafone, and hailed it as a victory for local residents.
The mast would have been situated close to changing rooms used by local football teams, near Dunhill Avenue, where a mural has been created by local people. It would have dominated the local landscape and blighted the view enjoyed by residents.
Several objections were lodged by the community about the scale of the mast, and the lack of proper consultation with the community. On Tuesday Cllr Gary Ridley presented a petition to a meeting of all councillors on their behalf to oppose the scheme.
In their official response the Council said that the proposed installation would have been a "conspicuous, incongruous, and visually discordant development" that was out of scale with the surrounding low-density, open area. They also believed the applicant failed to demonstrate that there were no less harmful alternatives available.
Although the decision has been welcomed, Cllr Ridley warned residents that the applicants still have a right of appeal, which must be lodged within six months.
Commenting on the refusal Cllr Gary Ridley said: "This is good news for local residents, and I would like to thank the Council’s planning team for their support. Installing a large, unsightly 5G mast here would have significantly impacted the character of the area and the enjoyment of local residents. I am proud to have stood with the residents of Tile Hill in opposing this proposal. Network operators should be working in consultation, not imposing these masts on the community. I’d also like to see networks cooperating with each other to minimise the need for so many phone masts.”
The decision was also welcomed by Cllr Julia Lepoidevin who said: “Unfortunately, we’ve seen numerous applications for 5G phone masts in inappropriate locations with little or no engagement with residents and councillors beforehand. Clearly, these masts will continue to be rolled out, but they must be done sensitively and in consultation with the community."
Cllr Peter Male added: “A couple of years ago I submitted a petition calling for improvements at the Ponderosa. In response, the Council has built a new footpath and are in the process of adding a pond. This phone mast would have been a blight on those improvements. This decision ensures that our green spaces remain preserved and accessible, and that any future developments are more considerate of the local environment. I would like to thank everyone who signed the petition and voiced their concerns. Together, we have shown the importance of standing up for our community."
