Penarth Cllr Anthony Ernest strongly opposes 20m phone mast

On August 29, residents were notified of plans for a 20m high monopole with wraparound cabinets at its base to be installed on Dinas Road in a letter.

The letter explained that the radio station at the nearby fire station will be lost and if a replacement is not found there will be a loss of coverage in the area.

A planning application has now been made available online with documents showing the plans for the site.

Cllr Anthony Ernest and the proposed site plans (Image: Vale of Glamorgan Council)

A local councillor who has looked over the planning application has proposed that the fire station, after its development, could still be a feasible location for the phone mast.

Councillor for the Plymouth Ward, Anthony Ernst said: “I have given my strongest objections to the scheme, which shows the site of the mast being immediately adjacent to the side wall of the nearest house, who would have a 65ft mast towering above their home.

“The Fire Station must still be an option - there is plenty of room there for the time being and any redevelopment could easily incorporate a few square feet for a replacement mast.  

These installations are 'ugly', and a 'blot on the landscape' in my opinion.” 

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The consultation letter and the view from the resident's garden (Image: Newsquest)

One resident, Geraldine Caldwell, 75, who is deeply concerned by the plans wrote to three council members a letter of objection. 

Mrs Caldwell previously invited us into her home to show us where the mobile mast will be ‘ruining’ the view from her garden.  

“The garden is part of our home, and we are never going to be without the look of it - I’m sick to my stomach at the thought of it,” she said. 

Janet and Hans Nehls stood in front of their house (Image: Newsquest)A nearby neighbour, Janet 69, and her husband Hans Nehls 75, who live adjacent to the proposed site also expressed how upset they are by the proposed plans. 

“I have lived here for 13 years, and it was a bit of a shock. I know we have to have them, but it is about the place they decide to put them. 

“The need to reconsider, I think they are spoiling Penarth with what they are doing,” said Mrs Nehls.