Stourbridge News, Stourbridge Sport, Stourbridge Leisure - From The Stourbridge News

Dudley Council is considering taking legal action to get the 12-metre mast on the junction of Stourbridge Road and Lutley Mill Road, removed.

T-mobile has prompted outrage by putting up the mast on the Belle Vale junction despite the application being refused by the council's planning department.

But the communications company says it did not receive a council response within the required 56 days - meaning the mast was automatically approved.

Councillor Ken Turner (pictured right by the controversial mast) is backing irate residents who want it urgently removed.

He said the mast is near schools and scores of homes.

He said: "The application was lodged on May 16 and refused on June 27.

"T-mobile is arguing the agent it engaged wasn't informed - T-mobile was - but because the agent put in the application they are trying to say that's the reason they didn't get a response within 56 days.

"I think it's appalling - it's a deliberate and unacceptable manipulation of statutory obligations.

"They have no regard for local residents.

"It's totally alien to what Dudley MBC felt and wished for.

"They must accept they are trying to abuse the principles of development control and planning.

"The mast should be removed while the arguments are considered."

Resident Rita Cartwright has complained to the council.

She said: "I'm utterly disgusted - we have had no notification and then low and behold it's there one day.

"We have got this monstrosity - I'm a pensioner but what about children living near here - it's disgusting.

"We need to think about the youngsters and possible health concerns.

"It's diabolical I think I ought to have a rate rebate.

"I feel so strongly about it because it's trespassing on people's freedom.

"It should go to the European Court for Human Rights."

Resident Gail Walder said: "T mobile have totally ignored planning and placed it in exactly the place it was refused.

"This is the gateway into a beautiful conservation area behind the mast and is totally out of character.

"I am sick of mobile phone companies thinking they can simply place these things anywhere."

A spokesman for T-mobile said: "Obviously there is a dispute .

"We have erected the mast on the basis of not having received a response from the council within the prescribed time.

"How many of us have dealt with a council and been told we have to stick strictly to the rules and laid down procedure - it's a two-way street."

A spokesman for Dudley Council said it was in dispute with the applicant and taking legal advice on the matter with a view to having the mast removed.

What do you think?

E mail your views to helen.attwood @midlands.newsquest.co.uk.

Archive Home