Phone company appeals after Brighton mast plan is rejected

Vodafone has filed a formal appeal after being refused planning permission to put up a mobile phone mast in Brighton.

The company wanted to site a 40ft high mast and an equipment cabinet on the pavement outside the depot in Upper Hollingdean Road.

The application was turned down by Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Committee in February after dozens of neighbours objected.

Now objectors are being reminded that the deadline is looming for comments to be sent to the independent planning inspector who will decide the appeal.

Councillor Jeane Lepper, who represents Hollingdean and Stanmer, said that the council would send written objections to the original application to the Planning Inspectorate.

But the Labour councillor added: “Residents who want to make further comments at this stage must send three copies by Wednesday (14 September) to the Planning Inspectorate, Room 321, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.”

She said that comments should not be sent to the council or her although she added: “It would be helpful for me to have a copy of any objections.

“Please send these care of King’s House, Grand Avenue, Hove, BN3 2LS, or to jeane.lepper@brighton-hove.gov.uk.”

In February councillors agreed that Vodafone’s proposal would leave the pavement too narrow, particularly as it is part of a school route beside a busy road.

They also felt that the mast and cabinet would “adversely affect the visual amenity of nearby residents and further detract from the streetscene”.

Councillor Lepper said in the Hollingdean News Online: “There were many objections and the planning committee rejected the application on the grounds of visual impact and because of the position.

“It would have been on a busy road that is also a busy pedestrian school route and close to flats where many residents have disabilities and mobility problems.”

The Planning Inspectorate has yet to decide wher the appeal will take place.