Giant phone mast refused planning permission

Residents have won their battle to prevent a huge 5G phone mast being erected on Bellhouse Way.

The 20 metre high mast would have been located next to the Foxwood Community Centre.

The proposal from Hutchinson/Clarke Telecom was heavily criticised by the residents association, ward Councillors and neighbours. They were concerned that the mast would dominate the residential streetscape, affect footpath widths, impede sight lines and could have facilitated criminals to use the cabinets to gain access to nearby properties.

The Council gives the impact on visual amenity as its main reason for refusing the application. The full decision notice can be read by clicking here

While the Telecoms Company could appeal against the decision we hope that they will now stand back and reflect.

A more obvious location for their mast would be on Foxwood Lane next to the Thanet Road sports area.This is well away from the nearest dwelling.

The existing mast cabinets could be moved there as could those which are currently located at the entrance to the Rugby Club car park (which also cause sight line problems for drivers).

Still, at least in this case, the Council seems to have heeded the views of the local community.

What’s on in York: Foxy Crafters every Thursday at Foxwood Community centre

Busy week in west York – in pictures

The week started with a “Funday” at the Foxwood Community Centre. Here Andrew and Sheena visit the police and fire displays

Andrew and Sheena visit the children’s bouncy castles

Sheena, here with Dringhouses Councillor Stephen Fenton, launched her survey of local youth facilitiers

Sheena, here with Dringhouses Councillor Stephen Fenton, launched her survey of local youth facilities

LibDem Councillors at last Sundays Acomb Green Fair

We reported lots of issues not least this bin on Cheney’s Field which had been overturned

We’ve asked for the full bin on Bellhouse Way to be emptied

We’ve asked for weeds and moss to be cleared from paths in the Otterwood Lane area

The payphone kiosk in Cornlands Road is in poor condition. No sign of cleaning or maintenance by BT

Damaged gulley cover on St Stephens Road

Detritus build up on Tennent Road snicket

We’ve asked for a spring to be fitted to the railings which protects the play area in the Cornlands Road park from dogs

We understand that an application for funding, which would see another parking lay-by constructed in St Stephens Road, has been successful.

The week concluded with volunteers planting a Bluebell wood near the community centre on Bellhouse Way. Here Andrew Waller leads the work. Unfortunately weather conditions meant that an additional planting session will be needed later

What’s on in York: Creative writing course at Foxwood Community Centre

Writing for fun - Copy

Foxwood gardeners triumph!

As part of the Big Community Challenge which was carried out at Foxwood Community Centre last October, three raised beds were constructed. These were rented out to local people at the modest cost of £20 for the year.

They have proved very productive with onions, lettuce, potatoes, peas and beans all being grown. Picture shows local resident Shirley Gumley with some of the produce grown.

Apple and pear trees have also been planted.

Anyone interested in taking a raised bed and who lives in the Foxwood area, should contact Sue Galloway on 01904 794111.

In July Foxwood Residents Association held a garden competition and £200 of prizes were awarded. The judges, led by Nigel Harrison, commented on the high standard of entries and praised the Residents Association for their efforts which had resulted in 20 entries being judged