Local residents are calling for a temporary mast, which they consider to be a complete eyesore, to be removed from the telephone exchange on Moss Lane.
The temporary mast was erected last year without planning permission and when residents contacted Cheshire East Council they were advised that temporary masts could be erected for a maximum of 12 months without planning permission. As the mast has been there for longer than 12 months residents contacted Cheshire East Council again and were advised that Arqiva were given until 11th December to either remove the mast or apply for planning consent.
A planning application has now been submitted for the retention of the "moveable ground based communications equipment for a temporary period of six months".
Residents of Orchard Green have started pulling together a petition which states "I am opposed to the mast staying on a permanent basis and wish it to be removed as soon as possible".
Richard Stewart said "Many local residents are deeply concerned about the application to extend the period the mast may remain in place. The mast has now been in situ for more than a year and we have no way of knowing that this initial six month period detailed in the application won't be extended.
"Personally, the mast is situated only metres from our garden and is a complete eyesore from outside and inside our home. Consideration must be given to finding a more appropriate location for the mast, in a position that will have a less dominating impact on the local landscape".
One resident has submitted an objection stating "The mast is an eyesore and detracts from the pleasant outlook of this part of the village. It will no doubt impact on property prices of those residents living nearby."
Another local resident said "The mast should be taken down and not left in its current location. This Mast is very unsightly, overpowering on the landscape and not in keeping with the general environment .The design is very unsightly and out of character with the area."
The planning application can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for planning reference 15/5502M. The deadline for submitting comments is 4th January and a decision is expected by 1st February 2016.
The second photo is taken Mr Stewart's garden.
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