15 March 2006
Residents in Westcombe Park are celebrating after Greenwich Council announced the termination of a lease for a mobile phone mast.
Orange had held the lease for the mast on the roof of Westcombe Court since 1995.
The 10-year lease had expired in September last year, and the company had asked for it to be renewed. But the Council took in account the view of local residents, who were concerned about the level of equipment on the roof.
Before the meeting the Vanbrugh Park Estate Residents’ Association had submitted a petition and there were allegations that health and safety guidelines had been breached. Although Orange produced some documentation to the Council as evidence against this, this was not considered to be adequate.
The decision to terminate the lease was made by Greenwich Council’s Cabinet Committee yesterday (March 14). It was acting as a landlord rather than as the planning authority.
Councillor Alex Grant, Cabinet member for the environment and public services, said: “Mobile phones have become so popular in recent years that it has become difficult for many of us to imagine how we ever managed without them. More masts are the price we have to pay for this.
“We cannot reject applications for masts on health grounds if they meet guidelines that have been set by the Government. However, where residents have concerns about legitimate planning issues, the Council will consider these concerns.
“In this case, the Council was satisfied that the residents’ concerns were justified and has taken strong action as a result. I would personally like to congratulate the residents for their long and well-argued campaign.”
Ends
For media information call Richard Evans on 020 8921 5039.
Notes to editors:
- The decision is subject to the Council’s usual call-in procedures.