Opposition to siting of radio aerial (From Western Telegraph)

Opposition to siting of radio aerial

Opposition has been voiced to the siting of one of the transmission aerials for Pembrokeshires new radio station.

Radio Pembrokeshire - formerly Haven FM - is applying to put two pole-mounted antennae on the roof of the Park Hotel, Tenby.

Nearby residents of North Cliffe, together with Tenby Town Council, are urging the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to reject the application for the site, which has already been the subject of controversy.

A complaint to the Ombudsman has recently been made over the Park Authoritys decision to renew consent for an Orange mobile phone mast. And the North Cliffe Residents Association has called for a decision on the latest application to be deferred until the Ombudsman has ruled on the earlier issue.

Association chairman Dr Alan Morgan has told the authority in a letter: We are surprised that you are even considering any additional transmission aerials, whether radio, television or mobile phone, at this location. You must be aware of the objections already raised regarding the Orange aerials on the grounds of visual impact and safety. We are seriously concerned about the possible proliferation of such aerials and their unsightly appearance.

The town council agreed last week to voice its strong objection to the radio antenna plan.

Said Councillor Mickey Folland: It is in the interests of good planning to await the decision from the Ombudsman before the National Park makes the new decision.

The Mayor, Councillor Christine Brown, also sympathised with the North Cliffe residents.

There are other higher areas in Tenby where antennae could go. Why have they got to be up on the North Cliffe? she said

Councillor Stuart Fecci emphasised that the council had nothing against the radio station. What we are against is the antennae which are already there, he pointed out. If you add to those antennae again, it makes it hard to get anything removed.