A telecommunications installation near an educational establishment in Lewes has received retrospective planning authorisation following a prolonged planning dispute spanning several years.
The 18-metre structure was erected in 2022 by Cignal Infrastructure UK Ltd on behalf of mobile network provider Three.
The installation was constructed at a location differing from the approved site, necessitating a retrospective planning application.
Lewes District Council’s planning committee initially rejected the retrospective application in 2023.
A subsequent appeal was dismissed the following year after a planning inspector identified deficiencies in documentation intended to verify compliance with international electromagnetic field exposure guidelines.
Cignal Infrastructure submitted a further retrospective application.
Despite renewed refusal by councillors, the company lodged another appeal.
On July 9 of the current year, a planning inspector reversed the council’s decision, granting approval for the mast to remain.
Community members have initiated a crowdfunding campaign through CrowdJustice to fund a judicial review of the inspector’s decision.
The campaign has secured £1,300 towards its £2,000 goal.
Opponents of the development cite concerns regarding the structure’s positioning relative to Wallands School and Nursery, which sits approximately 20 metres from the installation.
Campaigners assert that measurements derived from documentation provided by Cignal indicate portions of the school and nursery grounds fall within a Public Exclusion Zone, an area near antennae from which members of the public should be restricted under industry safety guidance.
Local residents have also challenged the inspector’s acceptance of a certificate submitted by Cignal confirming adherence to international safety standards.
The inspector’s decision referenced documentation attesting to the development meeting relevant technical requirements.
Objectors additionally maintain the structure adversely affects vistas toward the South Downs National Park.
Kevin West, a member of Lewes Priory ward, expressed concern regarding the Planning Inspectorate’s approval despite apparent inconsistencies in the application, particularly concerning the safety certificate.
West noted these discrepancies had been repeatedly raised by residents without receiving adequate examination.
Matthew Bird, also representing Lewes Priory ward, stated astonishment that inconsistencies identified by residents from the outset had been overlooked both in submitted applications and by the Planning Inspectorate.
Louise Bentinck, a local resident, observed that authorities disregarded evidence within the developer’s own documentation suggesting potential safety concerns affecting areas of the school and nursery.
Bentinck noted authorities accepted the company’s self-certification without independent verification.
Another resident, Viv Vignoles, alleged planning officers effectively reran the application process rather than pursuing enforcement measures following the initial refusal and dismissed appeal.
Vignoles stated a legal challenge would ensure proper application of planning law, with the community relying on crowdfunding to meet associated costs.
The inspector’s decision determined the mast would not detrimentally affect the character or appearance of the locality.
The approved application incorporated an updated safety declaration alongside a commitment to paint the equipment in dark green to mitigate visual impact.
Lewes District Council declined to provide additional comment.