Proposed 24-meter tall 3G cell tower faces dismantling following denied planning appeal

In the town of Thetford, a contentious issue has been brewing since the installation of a mobile phone mast in Star Lane, near several residential properties. The mast, standing at 24 meters high, exceeded the 15-meter height limit for masts under permitted development rights and has been a source of concern for the Bugejas since its installation in 2021.

Paul and Levinia Bugeja, who live near the mast, have been at the forefront of the fight for its removal due to concerns about property devaluation. They argue that the mast has reduced the appeal of their property to potential buyers and will undoubtedly reduce its value.

The council, however, has taken a firm stance against the mast. In a recent decision, a retrospective planning application to keep the mast in place for 12 months was rejected. The Breckland Council deemed the mast as "intrusive and harmful."

The rejection of the application was not solely based on the concerns of the Bugejas. If high-quality mobile phone networks are considered a significant public benefit, objecting to the installation of masts can be challenging. According to the Russell Cooke law firm, resistance to mobile phone masts can focus on two areas: the planning of a new building or the predominance of disadvantage relative to the public benefit.

The mast was intended to improve network coverage for locals, but many network providers are moving away from 2G and 3G services, which the mast was designed to support. This shift in technology may have played a role in the council's decision.

However, redevelopment offers a stronger position to resist the operator's proposals, especially if concrete plans exist, such as already having planning permission. Successful appeals can take place when planning to redevelop a property or when the prejudice to the individual outweighs the public benefit, as outlined by Russell Cooke.

The locals wrote to the council, voicing their concerns and fighting for the removal of the mast. Despite the rejection of the retrospective planning application, the battle is not over. The Bugejas and their neighbours continue to push for the mast's removal, seeking a solution that balances the need for network coverage with the concerns of the local community.

Proposed 24-meter tall 3G cell tower faces dismantling following denied planning appeal