Illegal mobile phone mast in Chamberlayne Road, Brent removed

Mobile network operator Sitec Infrastructure Services was given planning permission to put up the telecommunications mast in Chamberlayne Road in Brent on a 12-month temporary basis back in 2020.

It was accused of "blatantly ignoring planning conditions" when it was not removed.

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Residents and councillors had been fighting to have the structure taken down since the June 2021 expiration date elapsed.

Brondesbury Park councillors Erica Gbajumo and Ryan Hack successfully lobbied Brent Council to issue an enforcement notice against the company demanding that it be taken down.

Cllr Erica Gbajumo And Cllr Ryan Hack. Cllr Gbajumo and Cllr Hack have been fighting to have the mast removed. Image Credit: Brent Council. Permission to use with all LDRS partners

The company was given until March to do so, and the councillors had pledged to fight for the company to be prosecuted had it not complied with the order.

The mast was finally removed last week with the help of a crane.

Cllr Hack said he was pleased that the council took a ‘firm stance’ on the company.

He said: “Ever since I was first elected last year, local residents have raised concerns about the tall mast towering over their suburban area in Brondesbury Park. This raised real concerns about an operator blatantly ignoring planning conditions.”

Temporary Mast, Brent. The company was only given temporary permission to install the mast for 12 months back in 2020. Image Credit: Cllr Ryan Hack. Permission to use with all LDRS partners

The planning application was originally only granted on a temporary basis because the council’s planning committee "would not be prepared to approve other than for a limited period", due to the visual impact it would have on the surrounding area.

Leaflets had been distributed throughout the ward calling for the eyesore to be torn down, whilst the local councillors had continued to demand the planning department investigate the case.

Cllr Gbajumo said: “For the past five years, I have been voicing my concerns to the planning department and am pleased we have worked constructively to put pressure on the operator to take down the illegal mast.”

She added: “The planning department and both present and previous councillors have fought for the operator to be held to account for breaching their planning conditions.”

Sitec Infrastructure Services was approached for comment but did not respond ahead of publication.