Update from our MP on the planning application for a telecom mast at Higher Drive:
Dear resident,
I am delighted to confirm that O2 has abandoned its plans to install a macro telecom mast in Higher Drive Recreation Ground, following a successful campaign led by Higher Drive Friends and strongly supported by Cllr Ola Kolade and myself.
It is important that we protect the Recreation Ground because it is one of the only accessible green spaces in the area, which provided a lifeline for the physical and mental wellbeing of residents during the pandemic. As well as being a blot on our natural landscape, the large mast – which would have been installed in a prominent location on the site - would have hugely affected the many children, scouts and girl guide groups, sports clubs, schools, community groups, and others that regularly use the grounds.
However, I do recognise the need to enhance mobile network in the south of the Borough – which I am sure you can agree could do with some improvement. That’s why I am still in contact with O2 about its plans to find an alternative suitable location for a mast, which will help residents and local businesses stay up to date with future technologies.
With kind regards,
Chris Philp MP
Member of Parliament for Croydon South
