A Wimblington radio amateur has won his appeal to build a 21-metre high mast in his back garden after planners had refused it due to concerns over appearance.

The development, in Eastwood End, would see the erection of the telescopic mast and aerials.

Applicant Gary Simpkins, who has more than 50 years of transmitting experience, stated in planning details: “By taking care where to site the proposed mast I have minimised the visual impact to my neighbours. The mast itself when in its telescoped down position will be below roof height and will not be visible from my neighbour’s properties by the positioning I propose.

“The pole and aerials will be at a similar height to TV aerials when telescoped down.

“Only when extended will the mast itself be visible above the roof. I have used the proposed mast at my previous address in a conservation area, with no complaints for over 10 years.

“I have spoken to my neighbours about the proposed mast and they had not expressed any objections to the proposed mast and aerials.”

In December plans were refused by Fenland District Council as they said it ‘failed to comply with the Fenland Local Plan’.

An officer’s report said: “The Applicant in his supporting statement states he has been a licensed radio amateur for many years and the purpose for the proposed radio mast is to continue his hobby and to overcome interference from modern technology.

“The siting of the proposed radio tower within the setting of a residential area together with the mass and design would result in a development that would detract from the rhythm of the street scene and the rural domestic character of the local area.

“Furthermore, it would visually harm the residential amenity of neighbouring and nearby residential amenities. As such, the proposed development fails to comply with the Fenland Local Plan 2014.”

However, after revisions were made to the plans, it has now been approved, as officers decided that the mast was ‘tucked close to the rear of the house and some distance from the property’s boundaries - meaning there would not be any harmful effect upon the outlook from adjoining residents’.