Mobile company turnaround over Fetcham mast

A mobile phone company is considering alternatives for one of its masts following pressure from residents.

Last week the Advertiser reported how Vodafone was set to build an eight-metre high phone mast at the corner of Cobham Road and Orchard Close in Fetcham despite being refused planning permission earlier in September.

This was due to a mistake by Mole Valley District Council in its decision notice.

In the notice, the council omitted four critical words making it invalid and leaving the mobile phone company free to build the mast.

Now Vodafone has decided that it will look at other sites following talks with Fetcham residents.

A spokesman for the company said: "Despite gaining planning permission, we remain committed to community consultation.

"In conjunction with the council, we have undergone an extensive re-evaluation of the alternative sites and the council has accepted there was no better site, other than the one that we already have planning permission for.

"We have been approached by local residents to re-consider one of these options, which we are currently undertaking.

"It is our target to improve 3G coverage in the area by the end of the financial year."

Brian Mellor, a member of the Fetcham Residents' Association planning committee, said three sites in Fetcham were being looked at.

According to Mr Mellor the three sites are on the roof of Tudor Motor Engineering in Cobham Road, the corner of the Ridgeway and Bell Lane, and near the Bocketts Farm roundabout.

He said: "They seem to have deferred the installation of the Orchard Close mast until they have looked at these alternatives.

"The residents' association is very pleased that Vodafone appear to be cooperating."

Resident of Orchard Close Louise McDonnell started a petition against the mast. She said: "Fingers crossed, hopefully, they will choose an alternative site for the phone mast."

Mole Valley District Council had previously said that the mobile phone company should take note of the "democratic decision" of the council and not build on the site.

Peter Lerner, the council's interim head of service for planning, said he was aware that Vodafone was looking at one other location for their phone mast in the Fetcham area.

He said: "Council officers would like to work with Vodafone to examine all other possible locations and are pleased that the organisation has recognised the strength of local feeling in Fetcham and is working with the community."