Residents have successfully forced the removal of a towering telecommunications structure after a two-year dispute.
The 15-metre installation on Snowden Street in Heywood was dismantled following enforcement action by the local authority.
The controversy began in September 2023 when resident Nick Bowling came back from holiday to find the imposing structure had been installed outside his property without prior consultation.
The infrastructure, installed by IX Wireless, was intended to enhance mobile and internet services in the locality.
However, both residents and council officials deemed the placement inappropriate for the residential area, describing it as visually intrusive.
Bowling sought assistance from ward councillor Peter Hodgkinson after initial attempts to address the issue proved fruitless.
He arranged a personal meeting with the councillor at his property.
Bowling said: “He was absolutely fantastic. He came to my house and couldn’t believe what he was seeing.”
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Residents have successfully forced the removal of a towering telecommunications structure after a two-year dispute
The councillor’s intervention prompted the local authority to investigate the matter more thoroughly.
This led to involvement from MP Elsie Blundell and ultimately resulted in the council serving an enforcement notice against IX Wireless.
The telecommunications firm was required to dismantle the structure under the terms of the notice.
IX Wireless initially challenged the enforcement order by lodging an appeal with the planning inspectorate.
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The 15-metre installation on Snowden Street in Heywood was dismantled following enforcement action by the local authority
However, the company subsequently withdrew its appeal, potentially signalling the permanent end of the installation.
Bowling said: “I’m still in a state of shock because it’s actually happened it has been a bit of a rollercoaster. I am thrilled because I can sit in my back garden and look at the sunset without my view being obstructed by the huge mast.”
The local authority views this outcome as a potential precedent for addressing similar disputes. Council officials indicated they intend to apply this approach to other problematic installations throughout the borough.
Council leader Neil Emmott said: “We’re delighted that this unsightly mast in Heywood has been removed.”
Rochdale Borough Council
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Council leader Neil Emmott said: ‘We’re delighted that this unsightly mast in Heywood has been removed’
He acknowledged residents’ legitimate worries about the visual impact whilst recognising the importance of digital infrastructure.
The council has committed significant effort to addressing the issue, including correspondence with Ofcom.
The councillor added: “We are acutely aware of how essential good internet access is and that’s why we introduced our award-winning mesh network to tackle digital exclusion.”
MP Elsie Blundell emphasised that whilst reliable mobile coverage remains crucial, it shouldn’t compromise neighbourhood character.
She added: “I’m pleased to see IX Wireless changing course and removing this mast.”