Dudley phone mast to be built after council blunder

Dudley Council allegedly had 56 days to reject the controversial prior application for the mast but responded with a rejection on the 57th.

Now developers reportedly have 'deemed consent' to go ahead with their proposed raising of the mast on Halesowen Road in Netherton.

Labour councillor for Netherton, Woodside and St Andrews, Councillor Qadar Zada has called for an independent investigation to determine what happened.

Councillor Zada said: "What is regrettable is that this development was completely avoidable had the council undertaken its duties and responded within the allocated timescale, since the council has failed to do that residents will now suffer, I’ve called for an independent investigation to determine what happened and for the council to compensate the residents affected.

"I think these masts are particularly unsightly and this one will be in a heavily populated area on the route to schools, the town, the park, a church and residential estates all nearby.

"This is a total disregard for the historic town of Netherton. On the main Halesowen Road it will stick out like a sore thumb and why should the residents have to live with this."

Mr Zada will meet with the Dudley Council planning officers and the residents affected at a public meeting today at Netherton Arts Centre at 6pm.

Dudley Council bosses have since confirmed they are investigating the incident and will reveal their findings to members of the public and ward councillors.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "We are currently looking into what happened in this case, and we will report any findings to ward members and the public in due course."