Sele councillors host phone mast meeting

Sele Ward Councillors Carolyn Redfern (Labour) and Mary Brady (Labour) held a public meeting at the Sele Community Hub on Monday to discuss proposals for a mobiule phone mast on green space in Fleming Crescent.

Prior to the meeting, Councillors Redfern and Brady marked out the dimensions of the proposed antenna, cabinets and paving on the green, giving attendees an idea of the scale. 

The meeting, which was chaired by Josh Dean, gave local residents residents an opportunity the air their views, with many being concerned that the proposed mast would obscure a green space right at the entrance to the estate. 

Adam Leaf, Chair of the Sele Ward Neighbourhood Association, highlighted the fact that the mast would violate the council's planning policy that states that "proposals for development that results in the loss of amenity greens will not be supported." 

The recent Sele Area Neighbourhood Plan was passed by Sele residents in a referendum alongside the 2021 Local Elections.  

"Myself and Councillor Brady were really pleased to hear residents views on this proposal,"  Councillor Redfern said. "Residents in the meeting, as well as those who have contacted us via email and social media, strongly feel that the proposed antenna pole is inappropriate for this  site. It will remove access to a large part of the green, spoil the outlook for residents in the area  and detract from the open character of Sele Farm. We will work with residents to ensure their  views are taken into account by the developer and by East Herts Council."

The Sele Ward Councillors have also encouraged residents to submit their comments to the  application via the East Herts Planning Portal. The application can be found by searching the  reference number 3/22/1005/TEL and the deadline for comments is the 20th June. 

So far the District Council have received 29 objections to the plans.

Hutchinson 3G Ltd, who have submitted the planning application, declined Councillor Brady’s invitation to attend the meeting.