RESIDENTS are fearful that a third mobile phone mast might be on its way to a Matlock hillside.
T-mobile has applied to site a 20-metre-high mast at Mount Pleasant Farm off Farley Hill – close to existing structures owned by Vodafone and 3.
But another application to fell trees in the area might soon expose the masts for all to see.
Matlo
ck Town Cllr Martin Burfoot said he had received objections to the proposal from residents, one of whom claimed a purchaser pulled out of buying their house because of the masts in the area.
Cllr Burfoot said: “The town council’s objections were based on the proliferation of masts on that hillside. Two is a problem, three is too many.
“More of an effort should be made to get these companies to share masts.
“There is an application proposed for tree felling in that area, which would open up views even further.
“They are using the tree screening as one source of mitigation when it may be many years before they are effectively screened again.
“People are still suspicious of the health risks and think if they live close by it will have an impact on them.”
T-mobile’s prospective mast would have six antennae, and provide third generation coverage – for multimedia such as video calling – for parts of Matlock.
The site is 74 metres from the nearest residential property and 331 metres from All Saints Junior School.
T-mobile’s application states: “A site share with one of the existing installations was considered, however both of them would need to be redeveloped in order to accommodate T-Mobile and this would result in a significantly bulkier and taller structure.
“The site benefits from a good tree screening which will help to reduce the visual impact upon the surrounding amenity, therefore preserving the character of the area.”
A spokesperson for T-mobile said: “Mobile phone use is growing and masts need to be located nearby to provide network coverage.
“The World Health Organisation recently concluded a review saying there continues to be no evidence of any harm from these very low power radio networks.
“The guidelines levels for radio exposure are extremely conservative and make allowances for multiple sources.”
The spokesperson added that any application to fell trees would be considered by planners on its own merits.
The decision is due to come before a planning committee on June 5.
