WISBECH: Vodafone beat off opposition - including petition- for new 8 metre pole

VODAFONE has beaten off local opposition – including a petition signed by 120 residents- to erect an 8 metre replica telegraph pole to boost mobile phone reception. Richard High, an inspector with the Planning Inspectorate, announced his appeal decision t

VODAFONE has beaten off local opposition - including a petition signed by 120 residents- to erect an 8 metre replica telegraph pole to boost mobile phone reception.

Richard High, an inspector with the Planning Inspectorate, announced his appeal decision today after claiming it would not harm the character or appearance of the area.

He also dismissed health fears and said Vodafone's application fell well within the guidelines.

It means the replica pole, topped with three antennas and an equipment cabinet, can be installed at the Anglian Water compound in Money Bank.

Mr High said the area was already associated with "utilities infrastructure" so the poles would not look out of place.

He said there was a clear need for improving mobile phone signals in the area, particularly with regard to the 3G network broader band widths and he had no reason to doubt the need for the installation.

Mr High said the applicant had looked at 20 alternative sites but many would offer less effective coverage than the appeal site. None of these sites looked at by Mr High offered impact that could be deemed "demonstrably less".