A CONTROVERSIAL application to erect an 82ft tall radio mast in an area of outstanding natural beauty was rejected by West Devon's planning committee this week.
The application by BT was to erect the monopole mast and workshops in Tuckermarsh Lane, Bere Alston, along with an equipment cabin. The mast would be used for a new digital radio communications network to meet the needs of police and other public safety organisations.
Cllr Christine Grills said she had never known an application cause so much anger in Bere Alston.
'I have had 38 letters of objection, I have received numerous phone calls,' she said.
Objector James Trotter, speaking on behalf of Bere Alston residents, said the mast would be a 'steel scar' that would dominate the view from every direction.
He said: 'The Bere Peninsular is the heart of the Tamar Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty and as such is afforded the same protection as a National Park.
'In such areas only planning applications that directly benefit the local community should be considered. This mast will devastate the local community and not benefit it.'
Letters of objection to the mast were sent to the planning officers by 58 residents.
There was a 130-name petition and further letters from such bodies as the Council for the Protection of Rural England, the National Trust and the local parish council, which was also concerned about health risks posed by the mast.
The planning committee rejected the application unanimously, on grounds that it would be contrary to local and county plan policies, cause a loss of amenity and unreasonably dominate neighbouring properties.