A MOBILE phone company has been given the go-ahead to build a 19m-high radio mast in the centre of Liss, despite a petition against the proposal. A flurry of letters landed on the doorstep of East Hampshire District Council after the application was submitted by Hutchison 3G Ltd. Among villagers' concerns were fears that it would represent a health hazard and that it would interfere with radio and television signals in the area. But at a meeting of EHDC's south planning committee last week, councillors gave the scheme - which was earmarked, initially, for the Mainline Business Centre on Station Road - the green light. A report presented to members at the meeting, recommending the mast be given permission, said: "It is considered that there is a requirement for a mast for this operator in the Liss area and that the principle of telecommunications equipment on this site has already been established by the existing masts. "The proposal would not have a significant impact on the conservation area and would not result in the loss of any parking spaces. The reportsaid the proposal would not have a significant impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties, the surrounding area or the conservation area. • Meanwhile, planners have thrown out a scheme to turn industrial buildings near Petersfield Station into 36 flats. Developers wanted to create housing on the site of Tews Engineering Ltd, in Lavant Street. It was announced in August that the long- standing town business was considering expanding to another premises. But East Hampshire District Council planning officers ruled the proposal would represent overdevelopment of land in the area and could mean the loss of an employment site in the town. The plan would have seen the existing buildings and car show room on the corner of Lavant Street turned into 27 one-bedroom flats and nine two-bedroom flats, with 19 parking spaces.
