A 20-month fight to build a towering phone mast in a leafy Perth street has finally been won by communications giant Vodafone.
The multi-national was forced to turn to the Scottish Government for permission to erect the pole for advanced 3G phone technology on Burghmuir Road after twice being denied by Perth and Kinross Council.
Backed by locals, the council said the 15-metre (50ft) mast would ruin the streetscape and was unnecessary.
However, government reporter Michael Shiel has delivered a blow to Vodafone’s opponents, stating the mast is acceptable in planning terms and granting permission for its installation.
He acknowledged the mast would be “significantly higher” than the Burghmuir Road street lamps and a “relatively prominent feature in the street scene.”
But he added, “Its slimline profile would assist in integrating the mast into the pattern of existing street furniture.
“It would also be seen in the context of the spire of the adjacent church (the Church of the Latter Day Saints) which I judge to be about 15 metres high.”
He said most homes in the area would barely see the mast but, for those which do, “it would not be visually overbearing or have a harmful impact on the amenity of their occupants.”
The mast will be shared by Vodafone and rival operator O2, with each firm operating three antennae on it. A 12.5-metre pole has also been given planning permission just 30 metres away.Alternative site dismissedMr Shiel said, “Even if this latter mast was to be erected, I am not persuaded that the cumulative visual impact would be unduly harmful.
“I accept the appellant’s submission that it would not be technically feasible to accommodate the equipment of all three operators on a streetworks monopole.
“A bulkier structure would be required and there is no evidence that an appropriate site for such a mast is available within the search area.”
He added, “The current proposal has the merit of allowing mast sharing by two operators, obviating the need for a possible third mast.”
Mr Shiel dismissed suggestions an alternative site could be found for the mast.
Vodafone and O2 say there is an “identified need” for a mast in the area to prevent signal “gaps” in the 3G coverage.
A resident said, “You couldn’t get a more visual spot if you tried it’s a ridiculous place to put a phone mast.
“Perth prides itself on looking nice, with lots of lovely floral displays. If this was to go ahead it would be like Burghmuir Road was being disconnected from the Fair City.”
Councillor Willie Wilson said, “It’s about selling fancy phones to young people that have facilities beyond what most people want.”