Zennor prepares to resist TETRA mast plan

VILLAGERS are preparing to repel a second attempt to erect a TETRA communications mast in Zennor after developers formally applied for planning permission.

The proposed site, north of Higher Kerrow Farm, is 160 metres east of the location of the original application, which was turned down by planners nearly three years ago.

Airwave Solutions – which provides the controversial masts which transmit secure police and emergency service communications – want to build a 10-metre-high 'monopole' which it plans to disguise as a telegraph pole.

Chairman of the parish council Mike Hindley says villagers just don't want a mast to spoil their beautiful countryside.

“The police say we have to have it because they are contracted to cover around 90% of all A and B roads, but the locals just don't want it,” he said.

“It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and we don't care that we will not be covered quite as well as the rest of the country.

“The company says it will disguise the mast as a telegraph pole but the parish council is in the process of trying to get the existing poles removed at the moment.”

The shock arrival of a temporary mast in 2004 sparked a mass protest by villagers and farmers, who used cars and tractors to block access to the site on a verge opposite the Gurnard's Head Hotel.

Planners unanimously rejected the subsequent planning application because the site was in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the Heritage Coast and in an Area of Great Historic Value.

Head of planning at Penwith District Council Andy England said the body had received five letters of objection to the full application which is expected to be decided at a meeting on August 26.

Mr Hindley said details of a parish meeting to discuss the issue would be announced in the next few days.

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