St Saviour’s residents ‘shocked’ by plans for 12m telecoms mast

Sure has applied to put up a 12m-high mast at the corner of the garage site, on the border of the St Apolline conservation area in St Saviour’s. The application went in over Christmas, and the consultation period was due to finish yesterday.

However, neighbours have written to planning demanding an extension, as they discovered the original application notice had been stuck on a window at the garage behind tinted glass.

Sam Ozanne, who lives just below the garage, said he only found out about the plans for the mast when a neighbour put a note through his door a few days ago.

‘I’ve managed to get an objection in as it is going to overshadow our garden,’ he said.

‘The base is 10m above the height of the road, add 12 metres to that and it is really going to be quite significant.’

The mast will replace an existing one attached to the side of the garage building and is intended to be freestanding. A nearby building is 5.3m high.

‘I understand it needs to be replaced, but why can’t it be put back on the side of the garage where it is less obtrusive?’ Mr Ozanne said.

Another resident, who asked not to be named, complained that there had been no prior warning, consultation, discussion of risks, or alternative options.

She added that not only had the signage been put up behind tinted glass, but it was dated 23 December, so would have gone up at Christmas time when few would have seen it and many people were away.

‘That isn’t acceptable for such a project,’ she said.

‘It’s really sad that it was done so quietly. I’m not denying the need for connectivity but this stealth application without presenting details or options for discussion was out of order.’

Another neighbour thought people on the other side of the valley should have the chance to object too.

‘You have the historic ridge line with the windmill on and it will encroach into that,’ she said.

‘It is literally right on the border of the conservation area. Within it you can’t even change a window without planning permission.’

She said residents had set up a WhatsApp group to coordinate a response, which already has 23 members, all of whom were against the proposal.

‘We are all quite shocked, there are elderly neighbours who will have no idea this is happening’ she said.

‘People understand the need, but to go from what is there now to this is such an extreme step.’

Cyrille Joffre, chief technology and information officer at Sure, said the company had applied for permission for a timber-clad mast as part of its commitment to future-proof the mobile network.

‘This would enhance coverage and data speeds in the area,’ he said.

‘When planning network upgrades we consider various sites and take into account the impact on residents, the island and the environment.

‘This location has been carefully considered, and the equipment is designed to be as discreet as possible and complies with international guidelines.’

He said the company was open to hearing feedback.

‘This is still at application stage but, if it is approved, would consolidate the three sites that currently serve the Le Mont Saint and Perelle area into a single site and significantly improve coverage.

‘This project is part of our ongoing investment to strengthen Guernsey’s mobile and fixed networks and would enhance connectivity across the island.’