There is huge relief in Tilehurst today now that council officers have decided to reject the application from Vodafone for a 14 metre high mast on the corner of Lower Elmstone Drive and Elmstone Drive. Local residents, 229 of whom signed our petition against the mast application, are delighted with the news. This is a good decision for Tilehurst where we have clearly demonstrated the depth of feeling about plans to erect this monstrosity in our residential neighbourhood.I would like to thank all the residents who signed our petition and I would also like to say a special thank you to Nerys and Andrew Wilkinson who helped with the petition and also provided a lot of excellent publicity for our cause.

The council’s rejection is based solely on planning grounds in that the mast and its base cabinets would be obtrusive structures that do not fit with the surrounding environment.  However, Vodafone can appeal against this decision and they have three months in which to do so. Given the amount of time and money they have already spent on this case, an appeal is very likely. Any appeal will be heard by a Planning Inspector and both sides will be able to put their case.  

Despite this threat that will hang over Tilehurst for a few months yet, this is a splendid win for Tilehurst in Round 1. We look forward to facing Vodafone again should they appeal.

Note:   Planning Application 09/00289/TELE can be viewed on the council’s website.