Telecom company Vodafone are seeking to overturn the decision by Wandsworth Council to refuse the company permission to erect a telephone mast on Tooting Common.  

In July the council refused planning permission for an 18m high Vodafone mast to be sited on the railway embankment next to Cavendish Road and overlooking Tooting Common.

Members of Wandsworth‘s planning committee concluded that the mast, which would have been erected behind a two metre high fence, would result in “unacceptable harm to the character and appearance” of the common.

The height of the mast was described as “excessive” and “overly prominent” while the design was summarised as “perfunctory”.

The telecommunications company has lodged a planning appeal with the Secretary of State which will be held early in the new year in front of a Government–appointed planning inspector.

Planning chairman Cllr Sarah McDermott said: “Back in July, locally elected councillors judged that this mobile phone mast was just too big and too overbearing for this sensitive location.

“In our minds there was absolutely no doubt that it would cause unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the common so we refused it planning consent.

“The phone company is now seeking to overturn that decision on appeal.

“We will of course be arguing very strongly that our decision was correct and that this large telecom mast is too overbearing and far too prominent to be allowed next to the common.

“Local people who share that view can of course also make their own representations to the appeal. If they feel strongly about this issue then I would urge them to write or email the inspector.

People can submit their views to the planning inspectorate by quoting ref no APP/H5960/W/16/3163832.

Emails should be sent to North2@pins.gsi.gov.uk and letters to Michael Joyce, The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/N, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

People who send in written representations by post should submit three copies of their correspondence.