21 metre cell mast proposed for Parkhill
The proposed mast site is less than 100 metres from Rosehill Primary School.
RESIDENTS of Parkhill have reacted angrily to plans to build a 21-metre high cell phone mast. The cell mast which could be situated at a resident’s home on the corner of Briar Lane and Woodlawn Crescent, has caused some consternation because of the potential health hazards it poses and its close proximity to other residents’ homes and a school less than a 100 metres away.
Notices have been put up on the road to give residents a chance to voice their objections to the municipality’s town planning department. Northglen News met with one of the residents on Thursday last week, who voiced his disapproval of the mast. Chris Hoare, who lives less than 100 metres away from the proposed mast said he believes the mast will adversely affect health and other concerns.
“I believe such an enormous mast will devalue my property and I would then request a rates reduction from the City. There might be a health risk to everyone exposed to the radiation from the mast. Even if there is no scientific proof for potential harm at this stage, it could be that the measuring instruments available today are not sufficiently sensitive to detect the harmful effects. Also it could be the harm is only detectable after a certain number of years.
“The proposed mast site is less than 100 metres from Rosehill Primary School. Some countries have adopted legislation to limit the exposure to high-risk groups such as children. I feel it would be foolhardy to place a cell mast so near a school. Other residents have also voiced their discontent at the idea of the mast being put up. Hoare also said he feared lightning strikes, as the proposed site is the highest point in the area.
“Our home has been struck twice before and such a tall mast is likely to attract lightning, resulting in an increase of blown electric items. A 21 metre mast will also be unsightly and is out of keeping with the style of the area,” he said.
