by Dave Burke

dave.burke@essnmedia.co.uk

A mobile phone mast has given residents new hope that their opposition to a block of flats can still win the day – even though a planning inquiry has backed the scheme.

The inspector, David Hogger, has given the go-ahead for 10 new two-bedroom homes in Lower Barn Road, even though Croydon Council denied permission.

But residents are gearing up for a new fight as Mr Hogger also ruled a nearby 15-metre phone mast is too close to the new development and must be moved before construction of the flats begins.

This will require another planning application being submitted to Croydon Council.

Network provider O2 confirmed it will give permission for it to be moved.

But residents have vowed to fight any plans to move the mast closer to existing homes.

They thought they had heard the last of the development when council chiefs rejected the planning application in September, 2007.

But developer Taylor Wimpey, which is representing Purley Downs Golf Club on whose land the flats will be built, appealed against the decision.

And last week Mr Hogger agreed with the developer and granted permission for the development.

Ward councillor Lynne Hale has vowed to fight any proposals to move the mast.

She said: "The inspector's decision is disappointing, but it's not the end of the story. We may yet win this.

"It would be ironic if it's the mast situation that stops this development taking place."

Riddlesdown Residents' Association chairman, Brian Longman, added: "A lot of people were concerned when the mast went in, because it is a 3G mast, which is a little bit more powerful.

"I really don't see what's in it for them [O2] to move it where they're going to get into another disagreement with the residents in the area."

The mast was erected to ensure phone signals do not falter for passengers travelling along the nearby railway line.

Mr Longman added: "We're not a NIMBY organisation. Everyone needs mobile phones.

"But you can't just be moving masts round just to stick a block of flats where a block of flats shouldn't be."

Phil Thomas, Riddlesdown RA's planning spokesman, said: "It amazes me how the inspector, based in Bristol, can go against the wishes of 10 members of the council's planning committee and 180 local residents who wrote to the planners and signed two petitions in voicing their disapproval over this scheme.

"The views of local councillors, the council and local residents have been completely ignored."

He added that the residents' association has concerns about flooding on the site, as well as overcrowding and parking in the surrounding area.

Purley Downs Golf Club was unavailable for comment, but director Peter Blok previously told the Advertiser that money from developing the land was needed by the club.

He added: "The club feels the design of the flats will enhance what is an untidy corner without having any ecological or environmental downside."