Both the "Evening Telegraph" and today's "Courier" have reported my great disappointment that Vodafone has been given permission to erect a 14.2m-high telecommunications mast at Balgay Bowling Club in Melville Terrace, close to residential housing. You can read the article in the Courier by clicking on the headline above.I had previously obtained the support of the City Council's Development Quality Committee in moving refusal of planning permission here. Unfortunately, the Scottish Government Reporter has now overturned that decision.
I think it should be incumbent on mobile phone companies to ensure they do all they can to find sites away from residential areas, schools and playparks and was unconvinced that Vodafone had exhausted all possible alternative locations.
I think it should be incumbent on mobile phone companies to ensure they do all they can to find sites away from residential areas, schools and playparks and was unconvinced that Vodafone had exhausted all possible alternative locations.
It is unfortunate that this mast is to be placed in a residential area and I am disappointed at the Reporter’s decision - another example of the decision of a democratically elected and accountable committee being overturned by the non-elected and appointed Reporter.