PHONE MAST NO

Mobile phone operator Hutchinson 3G UK has failed in its bid to put up a cypress-tree style mast on land at the telephone exchange in Winton Street, Alfriston.

It appealed against a Wealden District Council planning decision '“ fuelled by local opposition '“ which turned down the application to build the 18.9-metre mast.

The inspector issued a four-page report outlining her reasons for supporting the council's stance.

She said the mast would be taller than any nearby trees and would be seen from footpaths either side of the Cuckmere River.

She accepted the cypress tree-style mast was an 'innovative approach' to minimising masts' visual impact but noted that conifers were not a feature in the landscape.

She accepted 3G needed to plug a hole in the mobile network and cited Clapham Barn, Litlington, as a suitable alternative.

She concluded the need for a mast did not outweigh the visual harm to the area of outstanding natural beauty.