Headteacher joins battle to stop phone mast near school

Councillors will meet on Friday to discuss plans by Dolphin Telecommunications to build the 15m-high mast at Cowpen Bewley Cricket Club, off Hastings Way, Billingham.

The mast would be at the edge of the ground, east of the pavilion and practice nets.

The nearest homes are 110m away, and St Michael's Roman Catholic School is 180m away.

Headteacher Tony Maxwell has joined forces with residents to express concern at the plans.

In a letter to Stockton Borough Council's planning committee, he said: "There is a great deal of concern being expressed about such installations and their possible effect on health.

"I would ask that as part of the local authority, you will be taking these concerns to the Secretary of State for the Environment.

He said that the area surrounding the school was visually attractive. New planting schemes had been introduced and young forests established.

There was no doubt the erection of a telecommunications pole would be unattractive, and out of keeping with the immediate environment, he said.

A petition has been sent to the council by families in Hastings Way, who believe the mast would pose a health hazard to children using the field next to the cricket ground for recreational activities.

The mast is not subject to planning permission. However, councillors will discuss the siting and appearance of the development.

A letter from Dolphin Telecommunications to the council said: "The objective of the installation is to provide coverage within the Billingham area.

"We believe that by locating the equipment within the cricket grounds we are minimising the visual impact on the local area.

"The installation is set well away from the residential area, and the choice of installation will further reduce the impact.

"We are proposing to paint the pole, cabin and fence in an appropriate colour."

Councillors will also discuss plans to build a mast next to the Owington Farm pub, in Billingham.