transport company opposed vodafone application over safety fears at Fraserburgh yard
Phone firm considers options after mast bid blocked
Published:
A mobile phone giant is weighing up its options after councillors blocked its latest bid to build a new mast at Fraserburgh, amid public safety fears.
Vodafone lodged plans with Aberdeenshire Council to put up a 50ft mast in the town’s Kessock Industrial Estate.
But the proposal ran into opposition from one of the town’s biggest employers, transport firm Gray and Adams.
The company, which employs some 400 people, recently banned staff from using mobile phones on its premises.
Bosses were worried the proposed mast could interfere with machinery and cause malfunctions.
And earlier this week, the plans were unanimously rejected by members of the Banff and Buchan area committee, despite winning the approval of local planners.
Vodafone previously lodged two similar applications for masts in other parts of Fraserburgh.
One earmarked for Bayview Motors, which attracted complaints from locals, was also rejected.
Another application, to build a 56ft mast at Whitelink Seafoods, in the town’s Maxwell Place Industrial Estate, was approved last year. Last night, a spokesman for Vodafone said the firm was considering an appeal.
He said the masts were needed to improve coverage for 3G – or third-generation – phone users.
“We are disappointed with the decision of the council to refuse these applications, especially considering that the local planing officer had recommended each of these sites for approval. We are undertaking a complete review of each decision, with requirements in the area and will decide whether to appeal in due course.”
A spokesman for Gray and Adams said that in the past, cranes on site had unexpectedly dropped their loads. The firm investigated the problem and believe it may have been caused by interference from mobile phones.
The phones were banned from the site and the problem stopped.
The company said it was worried that the nearby Vodafone mast could lead to further interference and risk the safety of its workforce.
