Mobile phone giant O2 has this week lost its bid to keep a 15 metre tall ‘temporary’ phone mast in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea.
The mast, which is mounted on a portable trailer, was first installed in May 2007 after O2 was forced to remove a controversial mast in nearby Marine Drive.
The company applied to Sedgemoor District Council for full planning permission to retain the huge mast south of Pier Street next to the RNLI station, for an additional 12 months.
It wanted until May 2009 to find a permanent site in the Burnham area for the structure. But Sedgemoor planners have this week turned down the application.
Cllr Peter Clayton, Burnham’s Mayor and Chairman of the town council’s planning applications committee, welcomed the decision on Monday (June 8th).
He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I support the views of the planning officer – this mast was placed there with a view to finding an alternative permanent site within six months. I feel six months is long enough and little effort has been made to resolve the problem.”
“It is unfair on the residents that live just a few yards away from this mast to have to put up with it for another year. I feel O2 is a big enough company and should stop dragging their heals on this matter and come up with a site that is acceptable to both parties.”
“I am aware of how important good coverage is in this area but I am convinced a more suitable site can be found.”
