WAVERLEY councillors have reluctantly given permission for a telecommunications mast to be erected in Bourne Woods after more than 10 years of wrangling. At a meeting of the Waverley Development Management Committee (WDMC) councillors gave the go-ahead for the 22m mast, which had been reduced in height from 25m in the amended proposal, because had they not, the telecommunications companies Orange, Vodafone and O2 would have had to look at 'alternative' sites which would have meant the mast being closer to residents or to the Bourne school. The installation, when complete, will comprise three single dishes, seven antennae, 12 equipment cabinets and three metre cabinets with an associated compound of 4.5m by 15m enclosed by a 1.8m high chain link fence. A landscaping scheme is proposed with some camouflaging to hide the mast area from passers by. The mast will be made to resemble a Scots pine. A track will be laid of some 50m leading from the existing pathway, which will be made good following completion of the work. Akmost 90 letters of support for the erection of the mast were received by the council as a better alternative to siting one next to the Bourne School, for which councillors had already given permission. Carole Cockburn, Mayor of Farnham Town Council and waverley councillor said: "This has to be yes. I never thought I would be recommending a mast in The Bourne, with some provisos though. "The alternative is the possibility of a mast close to the school. We have worked so hard on this. We want this to take away any possibilities at other places, which are closer to residential properties. "People who write to me, tell me this is the least worst option, however they don't want any more than this. We need this to be as water tight as possible and with legal restrictions if possible." WDMC chairman Pat Frost said: "We cannot legally require people to withdraw a planning application so we may have to rely on good will." Andrew Thorpe, deputy chairman of the committee, said: "I know the area very well and I question the need for the mast. I take my dog for walks in the woods and have used my phone while I was there. "The access track will leave an unavoidable scar on the landscape. I hope the camouflage will adequately conceal the area." Elizabeth Cable said: "It's good to see operators co- operating and sharing a mast. My only concern is that colours should be consistent with the environment. I have seen, for example Orange coloured cabinets, which I think would be inappropriate here." Dr Jo Huddlestone, who was representing The Bourne Residents' Association said: "We have seen no business plan. The residents have sent their unending heartfelt objection to The Bourne as a site for a mast. "Operators have yet to establish a need and as an Area of Outstanding National Beauty the woods require special protection. We need to conserve the natural beauty of the area and it is important not to damage our national heritage." Councillors voted 12 to one in favour of the new mast site in Bourne Woods.
