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EE and Three phone mast gets the go-ahead to be built on Faversham Health Centre but NHS asks mobile networks to ‘withdraw’ lease application

A controversial plan to install a towering mobile phone mast on top of a health centre can go ahead - but the NHS is attempting to slam the brakes on the scheme.

Mobile networks EE and Three faced an outcry from neighbours after revealing its plan for an eight-metre pole on Faversham Health Centre.

Faversham Health Centre, the location of the new mast
Faversham Health Centre, the location of the new mast

Swale Borough Council (SBC) has already determined installing the transmitter on the building would not breach the criteria laid down by the government for such infrastructure, and as such does not need prior approval.

But NHS Properties, which owns the site in Bank Street, is now asking the company to withdraw its application to them to lease part of the building.

The health service says it wants more time to consider the “implications” for the health centre.

A spokesman told KentOnline: “We are aware of the latest developments in relation to the application made by the mobile operator proposing the installation of the structure at Faversham Health Centre.

“Our professional advisors are currently in discussions with the mobile operator to fully understand the implications of this proposal and, as part of these discussions, have invited them to withdraw their request to agree a lease with ourselves.”

But the potential hold-up may only come as a temporary relief for the many residents who have objected because the mobile operator can use statutory powers to impose the installation.

Chris Hamilton (right), pictured with fellow Faversham resident Neil Stephens, says neighbbours haven’t been ‘engaged with at all’ over plans for the mast
Chris Hamilton (right), pictured with fellow Faversham resident Neil Stephens, says neighbbours haven’t been ‘engaged with at all’ over plans for the mast

The NHS spokesman added: “We will continue to work closely with our NHS partners and the local community to ensure the health and wellbeing of patients is prioritised and that any impact to services and access are minimised.”

KentOnline has asked the NHS for more details about the “implications” and concerns it is seeking to address.

But the move may bring little comfort to those living near the health centre who fear the structure will blight the town’s skyline.

However, others say it will be a positive if the mast strengthens the mobile signal and replaces the current temporary structure in Central Car Park, thereby freeing up more parking spaces.

The new mobile mast will be placed on top of health centre roof, which is already 13.5m metres high.

Delivering the verdict on whether the project needs planning permission, SBC officers say the Bank Street building is of no heritage significance.

They concede the structure would be in a conservation area but conclude the site “is considered to be an appropriate and sufficiently sympathetic location that limits, to a degree, the visibility of the mast”.

‘As part of these discussions, we have invited the mobile operator to withdraw their request to agree a lease with [the NHS]…’

They add: “Given the minimalistic design of the mast and the sensitive siting of the ancillary equipment, the proposed development is therefore considered to preserve the character and appearance of the Faversham Town Conservation Area and the surrounding heritage assets, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework.”

The authority also ruled out any health concerns about the mobile mast.

However neighbours who objected and branded the planned the project “a monstrosity which would dominate the skyline” are furious, claiming their concerns have not been taken into account.

“What’s the point of asking for our views if they are going to be ignored?” says Chris Hamilton, who lives in nearby Stone Street.

“You would have thought that a structure with such an impact on the town like this would be much more widely scrutinised and discussed.

The mobile mast temporarily installed in the Central car park in Faversham
The mobile mast temporarily installed in the Central car park in Faversham

“Yet, despite submitting our views, we’ve not been engaged with at all.

“It’s very disappointing because now it looks like it’s just been waved through and we have no route to appeal.”

Residents previously reported that a notice sent out to residents informing them of the project said the mast would be 16.25 metres tall, but the application lodged with SBC clarifies it will reach eight metres, with three integrated antenna.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Despite some people in the town think it’s a good location.

Adam Rush describes it as a “win-win” result.

“It gets rid of the one in the car park and our phones will work,“ he writes on the Faversham Matters Facebook page.

“You’ll hardly notice it and the health centre is ugly anyway. People moan when a solution is offered, this won’t do any harm and we need our phones.”

Kate Spender-Brown adds: “It’s like any change in Faversham - everyone worries and then gets accustomed to it”.

“Once it’s been up for a few weeks, we won’t give it a second thought, apart from the positives of a good phone signal. Plus it will free up parking. There’s far worse to worry about.”

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