A proposed cell tower on Dartmoor sparks local concerns over consultation, visual impact, and limited service improvement.
Some locals feel left out of the decision process. They think it won’t improve their cell service either and believe it will cause more harm than good.
Dartmoor National Park Authority members want to see the location. They will visit the site later this month before deciding.
BT and EE want to build a 20-meter tower. It would have nine antennas, two dishes, and a generator.
The mast would be at Challamoor Field, between two towns. It’s part of a new emergency network that aims to give 4G coverage to 999 services. It should also improve household coverage.
People could use any provider to call for help. The committee heard a better network is crucial, saying the mast benefits outweigh any potential harm.
David Burke said there was too little consultation. He suggested using the existing site in Widecombe instead.
Last year, a meeting voted against the mast. They said it was not needed and pointed to the working site. The meeting’s report questioned the site’s usefulness and its impact on Buckland in the Moor.
Norman Gillon stated the Home Office sought a site since 2016. He added that the proposal balances everything, understanding some people are unhappy.