Putney phone mast: committee says no

plans for 3 mobile masts on the Spencer Arms is rejected

The Council informs us that plans to erect three mobile phone masts on the roof of a Putney public house have been rejected by councillors.

The application by T Mobile had attracted 180 objections from local residents concerned about the health risk and the impact of the new structure in a conservation area.

The masts would have been constructed on the roof of the Spencer Arms which overlooks Putney Common.

Two of the antennae would have been set within a false chimney made of glass reinforced plastic. The third would have been erected inside a dummy soil pipe.

Residents had voiced objections based upon health concerns, however the Comittee were not persuauded by these but by the visual impact it would have on the enviroment.

Planning applications chairman Ravi Govindia said:

“This is the second attempt by the operator to install their equipment here. The committee felt, as before, that the masts, set inside false chimneys, would detract from the character of the building.

“The pub is situated in a prominent position in the Putney Lower Common conservation area. Councillors were concerned to protect the unique environment of this area.”

You can view the planning application on: http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/planning">www.wandsworth.gov.uk/planning</a> reference 2005/3841.

December 9, 2005