BY TOBY ROBINSON

BASFORD residents have endured unnecessary distress over proposed plans to install a telecommunications mast.

But planning officers are not to blame over the 'application' to site a mast and equipment cabin on land in Sutch Farm.

Cllr Maureen Campbell bore the brunt of most people's dismay on New Year's Day after many had seen a notice regarding BT Cellnet's proposal fastened to a gate in Casey Lane.

"As the local borough member, I had to explain to constituents and parish council members that I had no knowledge of this notice or the application it referred to," she explained.

Concerns were increased as the notice gave a deadline of only January 3 for people to look at plans or voice objections.

After speaking to planning officers, Cllr Campbell learned that they had never received an application for the proposal.

"This has caused considerable distress in my ward and I am personally disappointed that my good working relationship with officers has been stressed," she said.

"Planning applications should be in at the same time the notice is put up and if we had been informed in the normal efficient way we would not be faced with unrealistic timescales to make any representations."