Second World War mast in Faversham at centre of row
by Lauren Fruen
lfruen@thekmgroup.c.uk
A radar mast at the heart of Britain’s home defence during the
Second World War has found itself at the centre of a new
battle.
The Grade II listed building in Courtenay Road,
Faversham, is famous for its role in spotting enemy aircraft
in the war, most famously during the Battle of Britain.
It is one of Britain’s five remaining Second World War radar
masts and more recently the tower has been used as a hotspot for
daredevil base jumpers.
But plans for a new two storey building just yards from the
350ft tower means it is now at the heart of a bitter row over its
future.
If successful, the application would mean a museum and a data
storage building built in the shadow of the famous mast.
An on site meeting saw around 30 residents turn out to voice
their opposition to the plans.
Courtenay Road resident Emily Branton presented a scale model of
her home compared to a similar building proposed in a previous
application.
She said: “It is not suitable for this type of area. We are a
small village and this will ruin all of our privacy.”
Alf Prenter,
of Courtenay Road, said: “This will be a 24/7 operation and the
perception this will be a low level operation is wrong.”
More than 30 letters of opposition have been sent to
councillors, with concerns raised about increased traffic levels
and protected species.
The proposals - which include a 21-space car park – have also
sparked fierce resistance with both Dunkirk and Boughton parish
council.
Speaking at the on site meeting, chairman of Dunkirk parish
council John Peto said: “All of the people who have come here are
deeply concerned.
"This development would be outside of the village envelope.
Every other application before this has been rejected before
because of that and to allow this could set a precedent.”
The planning application was submitted by Orbital Net who insist
the build will offer a unique opportunity to receive and secure
data wirelessly.
Area Planning Officer Graham Thomas said: “I have considered the
principle of this use at some length and have also considered the
points made by neighbouring residents and the potential impact on
residential amenity, biodiversity and highway implications and
conclude that the proposal is acceptable in this location and will
not have a detrimental impact on the amenity of the area.
“The proposal does represent development outside the built up
area boundary but, in my view, it will have no significant impact
on the character of the countryside as it will appear to be
situated within a line of established development.”
Councillors will make a decision on the future of the mast at a
meeting at Swale borough council on January 17 at 7pm.
11/01/13
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