Cllr Ann Holtom welcomes Council decision on Eachelhurst Road phone mast

11.36.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 16th Aug 2008

Stopped for now - a telecomms mast like the one refused planning permission near Pype Hayes Park

Tyburn Ward Liberal Democrat councillor, Ann Holtom, has welcomed the decision of Birmingham Council's planning committee to reject the application by Vodafone for a taller, replacement communications mast on a site near Pype Hayes Park.

Cllr Holtom had backed local residents in their campaign to stop the telecommunications company from erecting a higher mast and had lodged strong objections with the Council which were formally taken into consideration. Cllr Holtom said she recognised residents' fears about possible health risks with the mast being so close to homes and the public park and was delighted that her strong objections to the new mast had played a part in the decision to refuse planning permission and given this victory to local people.

Cllr Holtom warned however that Vodafone might appeal against the Council's decision, or might choose to put in a revised application. Cllr Holtom is in touch with the planning department to find out if there is to be an appeal by Vodafone and has pledged residents that she and the local Liberal Democrat team will continue to back their objections if an appeal or a new application is lodged.

MAKE IT HAPPEN - WITH THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS