A proposal to install a 13m lattice mast with a high frequency beam antenna behind a Wroxall bungalow has been met with an uproar among residents.
Thomas Morgan is asking County Hall for permission to erect a free-standing mast to the rear of Romaldor, his home in the north of Wroxall, off St John’s Road and next to the Isle of Wight National Landscape.
The Radio Society of Great Britain, a national group representing amateur radio operators and which Mr Morgan is a member of, has written in support of his application.
Its letter to the council said the applicant is ‘properly licensed’ by the government’s communications services regulator, Ofcom.
It said:
“From the earliest days of radio, amateurs have been in the forefront of developing the use of the radio spectrum.
“This includes not only the art of broadcasting world-wide either by satellite or shortwave transmission or space communications, but also for making advances in the development of radio techniques which itself includes valuable work on radio propagation research.
“If an amateur is to participate fully in the activities envisaged in his licence, it is essential for him to be granted permission to erect an efficient and properly sited aerial system.”
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10 members of the public have spoken out against the bid, however. They expressed alarm over its detrimental visual impact, overdevelopment, public safety, concerns over television and phone signal problems and property values being adversely affected.
Jerry Wheeler, a neighbour of Mr Morgan, said:
“This proposed mast will be a blot on the landscape of a beautiful area of outstanding natural beauty. We will see this from our property and be deeply offended.
“Wrong area for such an intrusion which will very likely affect buyers and sellers of surrounding properties. Totally unnecessary.”
Another Wroxall resident, Elaine Cooper, said:
“I count myself lucky to live in a village with lovely walks and beautiful views. The old railway track is peaceful, green walkway in largely unspoilt countryside.
“Do we really need a tall metal structure spoiling the view? If this structure was necessary and benefitted the community I could understand the need for it, but this appears to be for a hobby.”
In a submission to County Hall, Mr Morgan said setting up the operation would allow him to continue contributing scientific articles to leisure radio magazines.
He said:
“Drivers/road users would need to take their attention completely away from the carriageway to register any part of the following proposal. Even close neighbours may only be able to see part of the mast, if at all, from inside their dwellings.”
Shouldn’t be allowed, move to Chillerton
it won’t look out of place there.
If anyone uses a mobile phone, don’t complain as you already support radio masts.