Tetra mast gets the go-ahead for a year
by RENE GERRYTS, Lyme Regis News 16th September 2005
PLANNERS have given the go-ahead for a controversial Tetra communications mast to stay at Charmouth but only for a year.
District councillors considered the application from NTL to permanently retain the antenna at Stonebarrow Lane at their meeting yesterday but decided to limit it to a year so that talks could take place to find a better site - possibly at Lyme Regis Golf Club.
Objectors packed the hall at Bridport Leisure Centre when the development control west committee discussed their application.
Members heard some 28 letters of objection from residents worried about health issues, and visual and noise impact.
Charmouth parish council also opposed the mast on similar grounds, but senior planning officer Andrew Jordan urged members to approve the application, subject to adequate screening.
He said the scheme was an acceptable mastsharing development which would meet an identified need.
"It is considered the proposal does not impact detrimentally on neighbouring buildings," he added.