SOLIHULL MP BLASTS COUNCIL MAST BLUNDER

1.39.20pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Sep 2007

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt has reacted with anger to a "blunder" made by Solihull Council that has resulted in phone giant T-Mobile erecting a mast on Widney Lane against the wishes of local residents.

Mrs Burt has been informed by officers that Solihull Council failed to issue a refusal notice within the statutory 56 day period, allowing T-mobile to go ahead with the installation.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"I have discovered the mistake occurred primarily because the council did not feel the original application was detailed enough, and so failed to respond by issuing a refusal notice in time to stop the development.

"This is a disastrous blunder that has allowed T Mobile to ride roughshod over the wishes of residents and Solihull Council on a technicality.

"I am disappointed but not surprised that T Mobile has taken advantage of the situation, but it really is unforgivable for the council, who are supposed to safeguard residents' interests on planning matters, to be so lax over statutory procedures."

"It is just a tragedy that local residents will now have to live in the shadow of a development that should never have been, and I hope that Solihull Council have learned their lesson."