Minutes of emergency meeting held on 3rd March 2023

Minutes of emergency meeting held on 3rd March 2023

Minutes of emergency meeting held on 3rd March 2023

Emergency meeting was held at short notice to discuss strategy in objecting to Vodaphones proposal to erect 30m mast for mobile phones.

Present

Richard Coplan
Annette Ruff
Philip Hamilton
Gilly Forge
Phillipa Kelway-Bamber
James Grazebrook
Jane Somper – Dorset Council
Johnny Caufield by Zoom legal representative 

Matters discussed and decisions:

  1. Questionnaire requiring yes/no answers. Decided not to do as answer might be unhelpful
  2. We do not have an expert and Phone Operators can self-certify their proposal meets the requirements.  Planning no a planning issue.  James to look into health requirements.
  3. Consultation - If Vodaphone did not take up Jane’s and the Parish’ suggestions of public meetings and discussions with all affected parties, we could argue that they had not consulted as they are obliged to do.
  4. Need for improved reception. While adequate for some but not for others.  Ian Millard finds inadequate in fields.  Jane finds reception can be inadequate.
  5. Response to Cornerstone letter. We have done.  Nothing further required
  6. Planning Decision – decision would be made by Wiltshire County Council and possibly by planning officer under delegated powers unless large number of objections.
  7. Planning Application
    1. Should we obtain professional advice. James knows KC friend who might be able to suggest someone and costs.
    2. Jane emphasised that letter of objection should be restricted to planning matters.
    3. Circulate letter with planning grounds saying letters of objection should be in their own words.
    4. Matters to look into:
      1. AONB. Gilly to circulate AONB information and on other matters obtained by Michelle
      2. Barnaby Hunter has suggested using drone to take video from 30m above mast site.
  • Suggestion using a helium balloon to demonstrate height of proposed mast. Barnaby to look investigate.
  1. Draft preliminary letter of objection to be prepared in advance of 14 day deadline if application made.

Decisions made.

  1. Response to Cornerstone’s letter sufficient.
  2. Objecting to planning application should be restricted to planning issues. Need to cover:
    1. Harm v Benefit
    2. Impact on Listed Buildings
    3. Science not a planning issue
  3. What and who to do.
    1. Philip to draft note to be delivered to each house saying what done.
    2. Prepare draft letter of objection in case in case planning application made as only 21 days to object to application
    3. Consider employing planning expert.
  4. If planning application made
    1. PC to object
    2. Individuals (including councillors as individuals) should object. PC to circulate grounds on which to object – individuals to use their own words.