O2 Airwave suffered a setback on Monday when Dundee City Council refused a planning application for a permanent mast at the Queen Street telephone exchange, which had been lodged by Crown Castle (UK) Ltd. This company effectively acts as O2 Airwave’s landlord when it comes to providing sites for new masts. Crown Castle, it is understood, has the role of finding sites and securing all necessary permission before leasing the land to O2 Airwave.

Broughty Ferry people launched a successful campaign against the Queen Street proposal, based on planning and health grounds, and were celebrating on Monday after all but one councillor voted against the application (see story left).

Inquiries to Crown Castle about their temporary mast, first revealed in letters to Broughty Ferry residents last month, were referred to O2 Airwave, where a spokesman pledged a mast of some sort would have to be put up. Asked where the company would be if it failed to secure planning permission for a temporary mast, he replied, “We will have to cross that bridge when we come to it. I believe you can deploy a temporary mast even when you haven’t got permission, while it’s being considered.

“We then take the risk the council takes enforcement action against us. The council may take enforcement action if the planning application is unsuccessful and, at that point, we would appeal the decision. We need a mast to give the police officer on the street coverage in Broughty Ferry. We have to provide cover for the emergency services.”

A Dundee Council spokesman said, “Planning permission is required before any development takes place, and the city council would expect an applicant to use the proper planning procedures.”