Telecommunications Masts

Letter to Redbridge Planning department - 20 July 2006
Ref. 1601/06 O2 Mast Planning application – Woodford Road

As a representative of the Green Party I write to strongly object to the above referred to planning application.

I consider the site to be unsuitable as this would contravene the tenets of all conservation orders. The planned mast would be a blot on the landscape at any location proposed on The Green – land managed by the Corporation of London for Epping Forest – and an eyesore that would prove to be a dangerous and hazardous distraction for motorists using the Woodford Road; causing further health & safety problems for and from drivers. The erection of the mast would also raise significant safety issues with regard to the number of children playing on The Green and crossing the road on their way to and from Snaresbrook Primary School and Snaresbrook College.

Furthermore, recent studies, expressing concerns about the affects of mobile telephone technology radiation especially with regard to children, have stated that if such concerns were raised over food the government would order it to be withdrawn from points of sale immediately. Residents of the immediate area (myself included) – who will be most affected by the installation of the mobile telephone mast in question – are significantly concerned about the welfare of our young and ourselves in this regard.

Finally the Green Party understands the need for progress and the demand for mobile technology. Nevertheless we urge you to offer more sensitive and appropriate sites at which mobile telephone companies may erect their masts; I am particularly concerned that there has been no attempt at sharing existing facilities, one of which is on the top of a block of flats in very nearby Hermitage Walk.

I look forward to hearing that this application has been rejected.

Ashley Gunstock