Company slammed for failure to consult (From This Is Cheshire)

Company slammed for failure to consult

12:00pm Thursday 21st December 2006

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TRAFFORD'S planning committee has heavily criticised a mobile phone operator for its failure to consult a school about a proposal to install a new mast on land adjoining Flixton Station.

In considering the proposal earlier this month, it became clear that Vodafone had failed to talk to nearby St Michael's Primary School and ward councillors before submitting it for planning approval.

Deputy-chairman Councillor John Reilly said: "The company has shown a complete disregard for good practice recommended by both the government and the mobile phone industry itself.

"The government has based its guidelines for masts on a comprehensive report by Sir William Stewart which highlighted the need for operators to talk closely to schools which might lie close to a potential site.

"The council cannot accept a proposal where there has been a major failure to talk to the community and respond to their concerns."

Nobody from Vodafone attended the meeting. The committee turned down the application.

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