Media Release from City of York Council Labour Group
The application involved the erection of a 15 metre high mono pole, together with ancillary equipment, on the corner of Scarcroft and Bishopthorpe Roads. But objections to the application both from residents and councillors have contributed to council officers recommending the application be refused.
Ward councillor Julie Gunnell said:
"The major reason why we are against this application is because of the environmental impact it would have on the immediate area, if agreed. The health impact of telecommunications masts is still debateable, but in an area that has recently been turned into a pleasant and visually attractive corner of the street, we think a mast of this height would detract from the good work that has already taken place.
"Ward councillors have worked hard with the local community to improve the area, with the recent sculpture a notable success. People appreciate it as a focal point as it enhances the street environment, something we don't want to jeopardise".
Officers recently recommended the application be refused, and refusal has just been formally agreed under officers' delegated authority. The applicants will now have the right to appeal, should they choose to.
Coun. Sandy Fraser commented on the work that has taken place at the location of the applicant's proposal. He said:
"A telephone mast of this nature, or of any nature would be entirely incongruous with its surroundings. We are not against such masts, and most people use mobile phones these days, but it would be quite easy to find a more suitable location than this.
"The new sculpture, new cycle racks and plants have all lifted the area in a way that traders and residents appreciate.
"This mast would have been excessively high so we're pleased that those objections received by officers have been recorded and taken into account".
The site is now used more often by local people, including recently on World Environment Day by the Green Streets Challenge team for Bishopthorpe Road.
