'Intrusive' 13m Radio Mast Plan Thrown Out After Backlash

Plans for a 13-metre lattice mast with a high frequency (HF) beam antenna behind in Isle of Wight village have been thrown out after a backlash.

Thomas Morgan had asked County Hall for permission to erect a free-standing mast to the rear of Romaldor, his home on St John’s Road, Wroxall – next to the Isle of Wight National Landscape.

Planners concluded his proposal would have a ‘significant impact’ on the protected area and neighbouring residents.

Mr Morgan previously said setting up the operation would allow him to continue contributing scientific articles to leisure radio magazines and that even close neighbours may only be able to see part of the mast, ‘if at all’, from inside their homes.

The council’s decision report said:

“The proposed mast and HF beam antenna due its height, scale and industrial appearance would appear as an incongruous and harmful additional to the domestic semi-rural character of the area, detracting from the character of the area.

“The development would also detract from the character and appearance of the adjacent National Landscape and the enjoyment of the landscape and countryside, for users of the Red Squirrel recreational route.

“The height and size of the mast and HF beam antenna and its alien appearance would be intrusive and overbearing and detract from the residential amenities enjoyed by occupiers of neighbouring residential property.”

A total of 25 objections were lodged with County Hall, according to its report.

They voiced concerns such as the mast being an eyesore with a severe visual impact, it benefitting only an individual and not the community and its visibility from English Heritage attraction Appuldurcombe House.

Mr Morgan failed to win the support of Wroxall Parish Council after he addressed its January 12 meeting.

The local authority filed an objection, with a spokesperson calling the proposed mast and antenna ‘ugly and industrial in appearance’.

They said the structure would be over twice the height of most neighbouring properties.

The Radio Society of Great Britain, a national group representing amateur radio operators, wrote in support of the application.

Its letter said the applicant is ‘properly licensed’ by the government’s communications services regulator, Ofcom.

“From the earliest days of radio, amateurs have been in the forefront of developing the use of the radio spectrum,” it said.

“If an amateur is to participate fully in the activities envisaged in his licence, it is essential for him to be granted permission to erect an efficient and properly sited aerial system.”