Plans for telecommunications mast approved

Plans for a 5m telecommunications mast at Church Hall, St John’s Methodist Church, St Owen Street, Hereford, were approved by members of the central area planning sub-committee at their meeting on Wednesday, August 6.

The site is within a conservation area and an area of archaeological importance.

Permission was sought for an imitation flagpole mast to be attached to the top of the church hall.

The need for an additional mast to provide and enhance 3G coverage is accepted and there are not considered to be any more appropriate sites in the coverage area.

Herefordshire Council’s conservation manager felt the mast was acceptable.

Six letters of objection were received saying the scheme was visually unacceptable in a conservation area and concerned at the health risks to young children who frequently use the hall for recreation purposes.