Plans for a 13-metre amateur radio mast in Wroxall have been taken to appeal after the Isle of Wight Council refused a planning application, citing concerns over its impact on the surrounding landscape.
Thomas Morgan of St John’s Road had applied to install the mast and a high frequency (HF) beam antenna to the rear of his home, which sits closely with the Isle of Wight National Landscape.
County Hall refused the application, concluding the proposed structure would appear “incongruous and harmful” and would detract from the character and appearance of the area.
The council also said the development would have an adverse impact on the setting of the adjacent National Landscape and on the enjoyment of the countryside by users of the nearby Red Squirrel recreational route.
Mr Morgan has now lodged an appeal against the decision through his planning agent, Phil Salmon Planning.
In a statement submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, the agent argues the mast would support lawful amateur radio operations while causing “no demonstrable harm” to neighbouring properties or the wider area.
The appeal statement says:
“The proposal is modest in physical footprint, causes no loss of habitat or biodiversity, creates no traffic, no noise nuisance, no overlooking, no overshadowing and no loss of privacy.”
Article continues below this advertisement “The environmental health officer raised no objection to the proposal and accepted that there is no evidence of harmful health effects arising from amateur radio transmissions.”
The application attracted 25 objections from members of the public during the consultation process.
Among the concerns raised were the mast’s visual impact on the village and surrounding countryside, claims it would benefit only a single individual rather than the wider community, and its visibility from the nearby English Heritage site at Appuldurcombe House.
The appeal will now be considered by the Planning Inspectorate, which will decide whether the council’s refusal should be upheld or overturned.
