T-Mobile plans to build 11-metre high structure

The company wants to put up the 11.7-m high structure at Chichester Road's junction with Merrion Avenue. The location is on a grass verge next to Carousel Court.

T-Mobile has informed Arun District Council of its intention to install the mast. The council has 56 days to consider the matter or the mast can be installed.

A statement by T-Mobile's planning agent, WHP Wilkinson Helsby, with the application for the mast, states: 'Any minor visual impact the site may have will be outweighed by the many benefits that telecommunications bring to the economy and community.

'The nearest residential properties with a principal window facing the site are located on the opposite side of the road and are about 28m from the site.'

WHP claimed the mast would blend in with the surrounding area. A number of structures about 8m high were already in place along Chichester Road. Several 5-8m high trees were also nearby.

Another tree, about 12-13m high, is located on the grass verge behind the proposed site to offer partial screening of the mast.

'If this site were to be considered undesirable by the local authority,' warns WHP, 'the only alternative would be to install a number of alternative smaller masts in the surrounding area, assuming such sites could be found.

'Such a proliferation of masts when a single 11.7m monopole is capable of supplying the required coverage to the area will represent an unacceptable proliferation of masts.'

Bognor Regis Town Council has informally told T-Mobile it is concerned about the mast being placed in such a heavily populated area.