By John Baron
Controversial plans for a 30 metre-high mobile phone mast near Bramley Fall Woods have been approved by council planners – despite 79 objections.
Applicant Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure wants to build the 5G mast, along with six antennas, dishes and equipment cabinets, at the Airedale Cliff grassed area next to Pollard Lane.
There had been widespread objections locally, and a public meeting held by the Newlay and Whitecote Residents’ Association (NAWRA) was attended by more than 30 people. Bramley & Stanningley’s ward councillors had also objected.
Concerns included the mast being an ‘overbearing’, ‘oppressive’ and ‘incongruous’ structure, with the scale and materials are not in keeping with its leafy surroundings, as well as the impact on wildlife and on Grade II listed The Abbey public house.
But a council planning officer’s report approving the plans said the mast would bring ‘improvements to and/or continuing coverage of a robust mobile phone network’.
It concluded: “There are identified benefits to the installation and the matters where harm could be identified are not considered so severe as to justify a refusal based on the siting or the external appearance of the installation.”
The plans and council report can be read in full here.
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