Decision Pending on ‘Highly Visible’ Phone Mast in Rottingdean

Planning officials have recommended that councillors reject a proposal for a new mobile phone mast, described as “highly visible,” in Rottingdean. Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL) seeks to install a mast and antenna for mobile phone services atop St Margaret’s Court, located on the High Street. This proposed mast is intended to substitute emergency equipment currently situated in the Marine Cliffs car park. This existing equipment was installed following the removal of an earlier mast during the renovation of the White Horse pub and hotel. Residents of the East Sussex village have voiced concerns regarding diminished mobile phone coverage, which has complicated transactions such as paying for parking and shopping. A report submitted to Brighton & Hove City Council’s planning committee advises the rejection of this application, with a decision expected on Wednesday. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning officials have stated that the telecommunications mast, if erected on the roof of St Margaret’s Court, would be “highly visible” due to the absence of any shielding or camouflage. The council has received 24 objections, some of which argue that the mast would negatively impact the building. Conversely, six comments have been submitted in support of the application, citing its potential to enhance telecommunication infrastructure. Sarah Denyer, who owns the Windmill Bakery, described the existing phone service as “awful.” In an interview with BBC Radio Sussex, she stated: “We have constant issues with payment. It is absolutely shocking. We often have to leave the building to accept card payments. “We have to ask people to pay by cash sometimes, so some people hear that and don’t bother.” Local resident Dawn Jones expressed her belief that the inhabitants of St Margaret’s Court should have the ultimate decision regarding the mast’s placement. She commented: “There is no easy answer to this. They need to find the best possible place, somewhere not in people’s faces.” Siobhan Dodds further remarked: “There might be alternative places for it – but people need good WiFi, especially for working from home.” She concluded: “I think there should be a vote on the outcome.” MBNL stated: “The development has been positioned near users to meet operational needs. “The existing telecoms site on the rooftop of the White Horse Hotel is an accepted feature to the Brighton area.“We believe that by positioning the replacement site on the rooftop of St Margaret’s Court, the development’s impact would be maintained at an acceptable level due to the site’s distance from more sensitive users.”