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Residents fight plans for 98ft mast on estate

BBC Seven Headless Cross residents with mixed facial expressions standing in front of a driveway with houses in the background.BBC
Residents of Headless Cross are outraged at the proposed plans

Hundreds of residents are campaigning against plans for a 98ft (30m) mast outside their homes, arguing it will destroy their neighbourhood.

The National Grid want to install a communications tower at one of their substations near Headless Cross, Redditch, in the middle of a residential area.

More than 500 people have signed a petition calling for it to be scrapped and said the area's wildlife would be negatively impacted.

A spokesperson for the National Grid said while the proposal "has been developed to minimise the visual and ecological impact", they were open to feedback.

Yvonne and Andre Jovanovic have lived on the estate for 40 years and said they never would have imagined something "so industrial" in a residential area.

"It's going to affect people sitting out in their garden in the summer because the mast is so close to their garden fences.

‘It’ll be like having the Eiffel Tower in Redditch’

"It's going to affect them mentally," Ms Jovanovic said.

Mr Jovanovic said he was prepared to do what it takes to protect his area.

"I've got the chain and padlock ready, but I'd rather not.

"I felt sheer shock and amazement that they could entertain putting something so industrial in a residential area surrounded by houses."

The scale of objections has resulted in Redditch Borough Council's planning committee having to vote on the decision at a date yet to be fixed.

A black plastic board with three pieces of paper stuck to it. The main one reads " Say no to the mast" in blue and red writing.
Residents will be meeting National Grid officials at a community meeting on Wednesday

Helen Elvins, whose window will be about 80m from the mast, described the plans as "unfair".

"I just feel a bit betrayed and let down; it's frustrating because I've lived here my whole life.

"This isn't right in the middle of a housing estate.

"You'll look out into the garden and see your flower beds, but all of a sudden, there will be a massive mast at the end of your garden."

Concerned residents will meet with National Grid on Wednesday at 19:30 GMT at The Bridge Church Community Hall, in Evesham Road, to discuss the discontent.

National Grid said: "We are always committed to listening to public feedback as we seek to enhance the safety and security of electricity in the region."

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