Church Of The Holy Trinity
Briggate
Knaresborough
North Yorkshire

Vodafone Cell site 5495E
National grid reference 435090  456765

This is a Grade II listed building in a conservation area. It is in a densely populated area; a toddler group is located less 30m away and the residential area surrounds the church from 40 metres.

Proposed installation

3 panel antennas to be mounted in the church spire at a height of 16.5 metres above ground level. Orientation 90°, 210° and 340°.

Existing stone louvres in front of antennas would be replaced with GRP (glass reinforced plastic) sections.

Vodafone assurances that the antennas would not be visible seem untrue. Their installation diagram clearly shows that the panel antennas are not going behind the plastic louvers but within the depth of the louvres.

Vodafone plans also mention “ NOTE: Allow for 300 Dia microwave dish height and orientation to be determined by Vodafone if required”. This cylindrical enclosed dish, which is used at busy cell sites for communication between base stations, is clearly to be externally mounted if required. To mount it internally would require that further stonework be replaced with GRP.

Residents feelings

The church is putting the money it would get from Vodafone above the health and goodwill of the community it is meant to serve.  If the church won’t stop the transmitter, but planning permission is refused, then they will have lost both the money and the support of the community.
Your letter to the church authorities could stop this.