Phone mast holding back flat demolition

FRUSTRATED residents living near flats earmarked for demolition more than four years ago say the site is an eyesore and is attracting vandals.

Four of the five Isle of Wight flats, in Alvaston, were demolished earlier this year to make way for low-cost housing but the remaining block, Yarmouth House, has a mobile phone mast on top and cannot be knocked down until this is relocated.

Derby City Council, which owns the land, and telecommunications firm Orange, which leases the space, are in talks over the mast.

But with the lease in place until March 2011, some residents fear the site could remain derelict until then.

Brian Slater, 69, of Branksome Avenue, is concerned with the amount of vandalism at the block.

He said: "I've seen people getting into the site quite a few times. I've reported it to the police and the council.

"It's mostly kids who push the fence down to get in.

"There needs to be better security.

"I'd like to see the last block come down as soon as possible – I think everyone round here would say that."

Alvaston ward councillor Paul Bayliss has also backed calls to get the project moving.

He said: "The residents of Alvaston are suffering because of the council's inability to stitch this deal together. In the meantime, they have been left with a derelict building.

"There is also the issue of the security of the site, which has been subject to vandalism since the other flats were demolished. I'm just disappointed with the council's inability to manage this project."

The council and Orange are in talks regarding the relocation of the mast, which it is hoped may take place before the original lease agreement is due to end.

A council spokeswoman said: "The council has requested permission from Orange to relocate the telephone mast on the top of the Isle of Wight flats. We are in negotiation with Orange to agree the way forward to make this happen."

Planning permission for the replacement mast has been granted for council-owned land nearby, at the junction of Elvaston Lane, Branksome Avenue and Durley Close.

But local people are concerned that, at more than 20m high, it would be an eyesore and would also pose long-term health risks to residents.

David Gayle, of Church Farm, said residents who were supposed to have been consulted about the new mast had not been contacted and that many were worried about the health implications of building the mast so close to homes.

He said: "We lose the eyesores of the council's previous misdemeanour – the completely unsuitable buildings – to be replaced by an equally horrendous eyesore of a mobile phone mast that potentially poses a long-term health risk."

He added that residents were looking to challenge the planning application.

The council argues that a consultation was held and notices posted before planning consent was given.

The council is talking to two housing associations about plans to build 30-50 homes for rent on the site.