Plan for mobile phone mast in flagpoles turned down

PLANS to disguise a mobile phone mast in two flagpoles on a historic city building have been turned down.

The Church of Scotland joined forces with Vodafone to erect the masts on the Kirk’s headquarters on George Street, stating they wanted to improve the city centre’s 3G signal.

But both the council and the Scottish Government have kicked out the plans, which they said would spoil the A-listed structure.

Vodafone appealed to Holyrood in the hope of getting the local authority ruling overturned. But planning reporter David Buylla said: “The property is an imposing, A-listed office and retail building dating from the early 20th century.

“Although there is no clear alternative, the harm to the special interest of this nationally important listed building and to the character and appearance of the conservation area outweighs the identified need for the proposed telecommunications installation.”