Dartmoor phone mast gets the go-ahead

A nine-year search for a site for a new phone mast on Dartmoor has come to an end.

Dartmoor National Park Authority has given the go-ahead for a mast at Buckland-in-the-Moor, which will improve emergency services coverage.

A meeting of the authority’s development management committee heard that the new mast, to be installed at Challamoor Field, would also boost broadband in the area. The decision had been delayed by a site visit and additional public consultation.

However, a number of members criticised the consultation process carried out by the Home Office and its agents, which, in its early stages, did not include residents of Buckland itself.

Norman Gillon of EE apologised for the oversight. Authority member James McInnes said it was “very unfortunate” that villagers were not consulted properly.

“You dig a hole for yourself by not engaging communities in the proper way,” he said.

The 20-metre mast, to be located in the corner of a field, will have nine antennae and two dishes. A generator will also be installed in case mains power fails.

The primary aim of the mast is to strengthen the government-backed Emergency Services Network, but commercial providers will also be able to use it to improve local signal.

Officers told the committee that the benefits of installing the mast would outweigh any harm. Widecombe Parish Council supports the proposal, but the Buckland Parish Meeting does not.

Cllr David Burke, speaking on behalf of the parish meeting, said the plan was not the least harmful option available, and that an existing site at Widecombe would be preferable.

“The mast is for Widecombe’s benefit, and we feel it would be reasonable for them to have it,” he said.

Mr McInnes acknowledged that while the mast would be visible in the landscape, it could provide life-saving coverage for the emergency services and faster internet access for local homes and businesses.

Mark Renders commented that a similar application in an urban area would pass without comment, but added: “One size does not fit all. From a visual point of view, this is horrible.

“There has to be a way of finding a compromise.”

Dr Mary Seddon suggested that while she would normally oppose such a plan, she believed it would benefit the local community. Mark Williams said better coverage was vital for the fire service, while Philip Sanders stressed the importance of the mast for Dartmoor’s search and rescue volunteers.

However, he added: “There is no doubt we need emergency cover, but I do not find this site acceptable because it has an adverse effect on the landscape.”

Ten members voted in favour of the plan, with two against and two abstentions.