PLANS to put a telephone mast in South Zeal’s recreation ground to connect with faster mobile phone services have been opposed by the parish council.

Shared Access Ltd has submitted a planning application to Dartmoor National Park that proposes the erection of a 15m telegraph pole, supporting dishes, antennae and associated electrical cabinets.

In association with CTIL, the company owned by Vodafone and O2, the mast aims to improve mobile phone signal in the area.

However, South Tawton Parish Council has refused the proposal.

Rebecca Walker, parish council clerk said: ‘The council discussed the planning application at a meeting on Monday, January 16.

‘Four members of the public were present and correspondence from the public to the council about this matter was noted.

‘After lengthy discussion, a vote was taken on whether to support the application. The council voted unanimously to strongly oppose the application.’

Following concerns raised by residents, the council has voted to oppose the application and submitted an objection to Dartmoor National Park on January 25.

The council’s objection states that no alternative sites for the mast had been sought, and questioned the necessity to increase mobile phone reception in the area.

Council members noted that many children use the recreation ground, especially the skate park which is near the proposed mast, and this would be a potential danger.

The council also stated the potential negative effect on wildlife, and the negative visual impact in a conservation area. 

Ilana Clark, community relations manager for CTLI, said: ‘Vodafone and O2 customers expect to be able to use their mobiles and devices where they live, work and travel.

‘Vodafone and O2 have identified that they need to improve the coverage to their customers in South Zeal and have applied for planning permission for a mobile phone base station site at South Zeal Recreation Ground. 

‘This proposed development will provide 2G, 3G and 4G coverage to Vodafone and O2 customers.’