Last March, Southwark’s Planning Committee rejected an application for a phone mast on Dunstan’s Road, near Dawson’s Hill.  

The Dunstan’s Road  proposal has reared its head again because the matter has now been referred to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate. They have the power to over-rule Southwark’s decision.  

Communities have often found it very difficult to defeat proposals for phone masts.  The Inspectorate often over-rules local councils. As previously reported, the proposal for the mast on the Crystal Palace Tavern was not defeated though the planning system but by putting pressure on the owners of the pub.

As local councillors, we have written stressing the reasons that the planning committee voted to reject the application. Namely:

• The mast would have an adverse visual impact on the area and on the designated open space of Dawson’s Hill.
• The mast would have an adverse impact on pedestrians, resulting in ’street clutter’.

It is also our view that:

• The mast would have an adverse impact on a  designated wildlife area
• The mast would adversley affect the quality, access and safety of informal play space.

We hope others will be able to write making these and any other relevant points too.

(Although many people are particularly concerned about health issues,  the Inspector will  will not take these into account.)  

Even if you objected to the original proposal - and many people did - you must object again in order for your views to be taken in to account.

There are some pretty bureaucratic rules to follow:

You must send in comments by 26th September.

You must quote the appeal reference number APP/A5840/A/06/2019955/NWF

You must send three copies of your comments.

Comments should be sent to:

The Planning Inspectorate

3/19 Eagle Wing,Temple Quay House

2 The Square

Temple Quay

Bristol BS1 6PN

I’m told you can also e-mail comments to nick.kessler@pins.gsi.gov.uk