A PROPOSAL by a mobile phone company to extend an existing mast in Bushey was turned down by Hertsmere Borough Council last week.
Members of Bushey and Aldenham planning sub-committee voted against the three-metre extension at the site in Merry Hill Road, despite the officers' recommendation to approve the plans.
Secretary of the Merry Hill Residents' Association Roz Armitage-Brain, who spoke against the application at the meeting on Thursday, June 6, argued the existing mast was "an obtrusive ugly structure" and out of character with the area.
She asked for alternative sites to be considered.
Out of 33 letters of notification sent out, the authority received 27 replies from residents, who also objected to the proposal on health grounds.
Councillor John Graham asked for the application to be delayed until members had attended a council seminar on mast applications.
Vice-chairman Martin Saunders proposed a deferral while technical matters such as the siting of masts in the borough were considered.
However, Councillors Seamus Quilty, Miki Colne and Frank Ward suggested a deferral would make no difference as they would be voting against the proposal.
Councillor Colne argued the additional three metres would have a "tremendous impact" on the street scene.
She said: "The seminar would make no difference because I cannot support this."
Members voted against a deferral and turned down the application.
June 10, 2002 17:30
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