Network Rail never had any intentions of listening to our concerns

Network Rail is continuing with plans to put up the mast on the edge of Norwood Park despite hundreds of objections.
NR claims over the last "couple of weeks" it has widely reviewed the mast site but hasn't engaged with local people during this review?
It also claims to take the siting of masts "very seriously" but not seriously enough to care about our concerns.
Having "re examined" the site surprise surprise Network Rail came to the conclusion that the current option is the "best option".
It claims that its processes to identify "suitable mast sites" are extremely comprehensive so why won't they share them with us, the community who will have to live with this monstrosity.
After Richard Flindell, communications manager, told residents last week he couldn't communicate with us any more because the matter was under consideration at Network Rail, engineers turned up today to recce the site.
This is clearly what Network Rail's new chief executive David Higgins meant when he promised a new era of openness and transparency at NR?
And then Flindell, in a letter to Cllr Braithwaite in which he copied residents in on he says the mast will go up in the last week in March.
Campaigners understand that Network Rail has applied for a road closure order and plan to do the work at night over a weekend.
Residents in Finch Avenue and Aubyn Hill will be told that they have to move their cars so that they can get the crane, which will be twice the size of the mast and trees in the park, in to position for lifting in the mast.
Both will come by road along some of the most congested and narrow residential roads. To get to the mast site they have to cross common land which is owned by the community.
Apparently NR will notify us when they have a firm date. How kind.
Lambeth Council has no right to allow NR to close off a road, and order residents to move cars if we don't want it. If they want to put up their bloody mast let them use their railway line to bring it.

Lambeth councillor questions whether permitted development should apply to the Norwood Park mast

Gipsy Hill councillor Jennifer Braithwaite has told Network Rail she plans to consult with Lambeth’s Planning department to enquire whether they had considered the impact of the mast on this conservation area and to determine whether there are grounds to issue a direction to Network Rail that permitted development does not apply in this case.
In a letter to Richard Flindell, NR communications managers she asks why questions in her original letter (see below) still haven't been answered.
She tells him: Your inability or refusal to address these questions leaves me to conclude that you are not taking the concerns of Gipsy Hill residents seriously.
In a letter to Lambeth planners dated 1st December 2008 Network Rail stated that the mast on this site would not be “openly visible” from the houses on Gipsy Road. In light of the fact that this statement is blatantly untrue, and having in your response letter admitted that Network Rail wrote to Lambeth on numerous occasions in respect of the location of the mast, in deciding on location 3, did Network Rail advise Lambeth’s planning department that this statement is incorrect?
What emphasis do you place on the views of residents expressed during consultation?
You advised that to operate effectively a mast has to be higher than the surrounding trees. What is the technical basis of this principal? How much higher than the surrounding trees does the mast have to be? Does a shorter mast result in more vegetation being destroyed?
The proposed site will not only impact on residents living in Gipsy Hill Road and users of Norwood Park but will impact on West Norwood Cemetery which is a conservation area. No doubt you are aware that the Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order1995 provides that if the Secretary of State or the appropriate local planning authority is satisfied that it is expedient that certain developments described in the Order, should not be carried out unless permission is granted for it on an application, he or they may give a direction under this Article that the permitted development rights shall not apply to all or any part of a development.
There is a possibility that the above provision applies to the proposed mast given that its proposed site bounds a conservation area or/and fronts an open space (Norwood park).
Because of its height and location the mast would be very visible from the Grade II listed landscape of West Norwood Cemetery. I do not believe that Network Rail considered the impact of the proposed mast on the listed cemetery’s curtilage. As part of your consultation, did you communicate with the Friends of Norwood Cemetery?
The preservation of views is a crucial part of this listed landscape. I therefore suggest that Network Rail considers the effect on the curtilage of the listed grounds of the cemetery and its associated conservation area before proceeding further.

Rail bosses pull the wool over the eyes of civil servants at the Department of Transport

Campaigner Stephen Hodge responds to Techncal Support Engineer at Department of Transport Chris Carey:

It appears that the facts given to you by Network Rail surrounding the site selected are incorrect.

Network Rail failed to brief Tessa Jowell MP about the construction and it was Tessa Jowell MP who made contact with Network Rail after local residents brought it to her attention. Lambeth Authority were notified of a different site, a site where the completed height would be 5 metres lower and failed to visit any of the proposed sites prior to construction and were unaware that their core policies protected the skyline view effected by the mast and that the GLC had dedicated the view protected also back in 1986.

Local residents, Park users, Norwood Park and the current elected councillors were given zero notification of the construction and only after immense pressure from the community did Network Rail agree to a meeting which they then turned into an information drop session only. Since then they have ignored all questions and concerns from MP's, local councillors and residents.

They refuse to discuss screening options for the mast that are appropriate for a woodland setting, and can offer no information as to way the 2 other technically viable sites away from homes and the park were not used.

I understand that this system of communication is a requirement, but there has been no opportunity for the local residents so badly effected to be part of the process and many of the fundamental parts of the process required by Network Rail have been ignored.

It appears access and cost for Network Rail are the only concerns and all other aspects of the construction and it's impact have been dismissed.

In contradiction to their policies Network Rail have used the wrong site from the notified site to Lambeth Authority and left all other local stakeholders out of the process until construction began. I am alarmed and very disappointed that Network rail have mislead yourself and the Rt Hon Caroline Spelman in stating they contacted Tessa Jowell MP and arranged a meeting both completely incorrect.

This is not the way a company as vital as Network Rail should conduct their services and if the construction continues at it's current site it will have a devastating effect on the protected views and park, Tessa Jowell MP and Lambeth Council Leader Steve Reed have both publicly opposed the construction site and the manner in which Network Rail have conducted the process of site selection.

Your assistance in discussing a common sense solution for all involved would be of great value for our community. Could you please discuss the misleading and incorrect facts given by Network Rail with their company executives, it may offer a sensible voice to the issue we have here.

Network Rail tell porky pies to Department of Transport

Network Rail have told the DfT that at its so called drop in session on January 18 that residents agreed that the colour of the mast would be changed to fit in with its immediate surroundings.

This is untrue what we asked for is an independent review of how it was decided to locate this mast in a dense residential area on the edge of a park which has protected views.

Painting the mast green which is what Network Rail is proposing to do will cost them little more than the price of a pot of paint but the price paid by our community will last for generations.

This may be a vital safety requirement but Network Rail is only being allowed to construct this mast in such an unsuitable location because it has Permitted Development Rights. If it had to apply for planning permission, like all other companies erecting communications masts have to, it would be refused. It is unfair and undemocratic.

Network Rail: Wanted for crimes against the environment

Wanted! for crimes against the environment 'Network Rail' For plans to build a 20 metre mast blighting Norwood Park's 'protected views'. Reward safeguarding London's green spaces
This was the message on leaflets distributed outside Network Rail's Headquarters at 90 York Way, Kings Cross, by protesters this evening (Thurs)
We want Network Rail bosses to realise we aren't giving up in our fight to stop this mast going up on the edge of our park.
The petition is growing in number and we refuse to stand by while our environment is destroyed by this monstrosity which is being foisted on us by a public company using an undemocratic process.
This isn't just about our community this is about Network Rail abusing its power by using Permitted Development Rights to negate the planning system.
As individual citizens we have to abide by the rules so why should Network Rail be allowed to write its own rules?
We are calling on the government to review the use of Permitted Development Rights so that local communities can have a chance of protecting their environment.
Network Rail repeatedly fails to consult with residents over the construction of rail masts, sheds and other infrastructure near homes and blames its failings on 'administrative errors'.
These consultation failings aren't isolated or a mistake it is a tactic NR use to rail road communities.
They often put in the infrastructure prior to the consultation and then when residents complain, halt construction while they carry out 'so called' consultation but it is an empty gesture.
Join our campaign because it might be you and your community that is the next victim of Network Rail's use of Permitted Development Right.

Open letter to Secretary of State for Transport and Secretary of State for Local Communities and Government

I am writing to you on behalf of residents and park users who are campaigning against the siting of a 20 metre GSM-R Network Rail mast next to Norwood Park, in Lambeth, South East London.
We are contacting you as we are dissatisfied with the undemocratic way Network Rail has gone about the process of forcing our community to have this mast thrust upon it.
Network Rail is hiding behind its Permitted Development Rights to construct this mast on the edge of a park in such a dense residential area. If it had to apply for planning permission it would be rejected. We are appealing to you as Secretary of State for Transport to investigate the unjust and unfair way Network Rail is allowed to use PDR to destroy community environments.
The infrastructure went up without a large majority of people being told it was for a 20 metre mast. There is no way the mast, which is due to be erected in March, will be properly screened as it is twice the size of any nearby trees. It will also detract from what is a “protected view” from Norwood Park of the capital and blight the start of a country walk which has been deemed of scientific local interest.
We understand this is being done as a safety measure and have nothing against these masts per see but what we object to is the siting of this particular mast in a dense residential area, spoiling the beauty of one of the few green spaces left in London.
We remain unconvinced by Network Rails’ argument that this site chosen from one of three viable sites along a very short stretch of land is the only or best site. We have received no evidence or proof from Network Rail about the process or the technology used to identify viable sites despite repeated requests. We are told the process is complex but it seems this site was selected simply because it was the easiest to access.
The resistance by Network Rail, a publicly funded company, to re-evaluate this location seems to be entirely down to money but for us this is about quality of life which you can’t put a value on. We will have to live with this monstrosity for generations to come.
We have contacted our local councillors, MP Tessa Jowell, Greater London Authority representative, planners etc and while they support us they seem unprepared to take action even though it goes against Lambeth council’s Unitary Development Plan and what Mayor Boris Johnson advocates in his Strategic Views Framework. There are examples in Haringey and Devon where local councils have used Article 4 of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 to stop the development of Network Rail infrastructure impacting on the local environment.
Network Rail underestimates the strong feelings around the siting of this mast. It seems to be under misguided impression that only a handful of people object to the mast and that the problem will simply go away. That is simply not the case and we now have hundreds of signatures on a petition against locating the mast on this site.
I am sure that if a 20 metre mast was going to be located near your park or home you would object just as passionately and hope that your voices would be heard and not just dismissed.
This is a personal appeal to your sense of fairness to intervene.

Open letter to Network Rail Executives

We, the campaigners against the siting of a 20 metre GSM-R mast next to Norwood Park, London, SE27 are writing to you in your capacity as Chief Executive of Network Rail.
We are contacting you as we are dissatisfied with the undemocratic way Network Rail has gone about the process of forcing our community to have this mast thrust upon it.
It is without doubt a matter of fact that if you didn’t have Permitted Development Rights there is no way you would receive planning permission for constructing a 20 metre mast on the edge of a park in such a dense residential area.
This is a personal appeal to your sense of fairness to review how the decision was made to locate this mast in such a location.
The infrastructure went up without a large majority of people being told it was for a 20 metre mast. There is no way the mast will be properly screened as it is twice the size of any nearby trees. It will also detract from a protected view from Norwood Park of the capital and blight the start of a country walk which has been deemed of scientific local interest.
We understand this is being done as a safety measure and have nothing against these masts per see but what we object to is the siting of this particular mast in a dense residential area, spoiling the beauty of one of the few green spaces left in London.
We remain unconvinced by Network Rails argument that this site chosen from one of three viable sites along a very short stretch of land running along Finch Avenue is the only or best site. We have received no evidence or proof from Network Rail about the process or the technology used to identify viable sites despite repeated requests. We are told the process is complex but it seems this site was selected simply because it was the easiest to access.
The resistance by Network Rail, a publicly funded company, to re-evaluate this location seems to be entirely down to money but for us this is about quality of life which you can’t put a value on. We will have to live with this monstrosity for generations to come.
Our questions have not been answered by either your communication manager Richard Flindell or community relations manager Nick Gray who have both admitted failings over communication with residents - caused by the failure to deliver basic information via letter - but both have done little to rectify it.
The so call drop in session arranged with residents was not consultation, it was a fait de compli and now our questions to either Mr Gray or Mr Flindell simply go unanswered.
I think both Mr Gray and Mr Flindell are under the impression that only a handful of people object to the mast and that the problem will simply go away. That is simply not the case and we now have hundreds of signatures on a petition against locating the mast on this site.
I am sure that if a 20 metre mast was going to be located near your park or home you would object just as passionately and hope that your voices would be heard and not just dismissed.
Once again we appeal to your sense of fairness to intervene in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Stop the Norwood Park Mast campaign

Network Rail's plans are "extremely detrimental"

Lambeth councillor Jane Pickard asks Network Rail's illusive Communication Manager Richard Flindell:
"Could you please tell me when Network Rail intends to put the mast in place? I hope that there is still room for discussion about this.
"Having followed all the dialogue over the past few weeks, I have to say that I find it very disappointing that the organisation is still failing to fully answer questions from residents or from councillors and wants to go ahead with its chosen site which will be extremely detrimental and overbearing for properties immediately across the rail tracks whose houses and gardens lie well below the level of the mast. I still don’t understand why the mast cannot go further down the bank and along the track where it would be less of an eyesore for all residents and project less above the trees."

Please join the hundreds of people who have already signed a petition against the mast

You don't have to live in the roads surrounding Norwood Park or visit the park every day to appreciate the fantastic views.
You can see from the pictures that these amazing views, which are the real undiscovered secret of south London, should be protected.
We need lovers of the environment to support our mission to stop Network Rail spoiling the beauty of this area for today and the future.
Please sign our on-line petition today
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopnetworkrailspoilingourenvironment/

We are not giving up...after meeting with 'smug' Network Rail executives

Network Rail admitted to residents at a meeting at Kingswood Primary School on Tuesday (Jan 18 that they have no intention of stopping plans to erect the 20 metre mast on the edge of Norwood Park. They made it clear that they had come to the meeting only to answer questions but not to investigate other options.

-          Network Rail continued to insist that they had tried to consult with residents but were unable to explain why letters delivered in September had never been received by residents. They accepted that not only had they got the postcode wrong but also the spelling of Gipsy Road and that they had described the location for the mast as being Crystal Palace.

-          They claim the site is suitable because of the amount of tree coverage. In a letter to Lambeth Council they state clearly that the trees are 10-15 metres high and only a small portion of the mast will appear above this. When pushed, they said they did not know how high the trees were and in any event these fully mature trees would grow to cover the mast! They also seem to be under the misapprehension that a few leaves will be enough to screen this eyesore.

-           

-          They admitted that the mast’s location had actually changed from the original plans sent to Lambeth Council. They admitted it had in fact been moved not by 10 metres but by 100 metres. They denied it was therefore possible to move the mast closer to West Norwood.

-          There is an analogue communications mast at West Norwood ready to be removed. They claim the Norwood Park mast cannot take its place.  They also said it would be viable to have two smaller 10 metre masts but then discounted it because of cost and the inconvenience it would cause them to investigate doing it.

-          A resident expressed his concern that construction of the mast could mean a 20% drop in the value of his home. Network Rail’s answer? It’s our own fault for buying property near a railway and we live in an urban environment so should accept construction.

Read the story so far

Network Rail have been busily building the infrastructure for a microwave communications mast which will be located on a raised plinth and measure over 20metres on the edge of Norwood Park off Finch Avenue.
The intrusive monstrosity will not only be damaging to the environment and views from the park but will tower over the homes of residents in Gipsy Road like a monster from a Sci-fi movie.
Setting aside the health fears of living so close to these types of masts and the impact on house prices in these tough times, Network Rail has made no attempt to contact residents about their plans to put up this mast.
Why? Apparently they don't have to because they are using a legal loophole to put up 2,200 of these things across the country. 
Initially residents in Gipsy Road were unable to find out from Network Rail's so called customer relations advisors when this mast will be erected.
Residents contacted the council, councillors and Friends of Norwood Park about the siting of the mast so close to the park and homes. They were similarly unaware of Network Rail's intentions, although it has now transpired that council officials did know about the mast and had contact with Network Rail. 
If BT wanted to put up a telecommunications tower they would have apply for planning permission and consult with residents Network Rail don't have to.
Network Rail claim these masts improve radio coverage and prevent accidents but we are the only European country investing over £200million in public funds in them.
There are tons of newspaper articles about these masts across the country and how Network Rail has railroaded through peoples lives. In Berkshire and Sutton Coldfield residents took physical action and blocked Network Rail from putting the masts up.
Some people have lived on Gipsy Road for 25 years and there are many families with young children who are concerned about health issues relating to these masts.
Now residents in Gipsy Road, Finch Avenue and surrounding area  have got together to form the Stop the Mast campaign. 
For further information on the debate to date. Click here:
http://www.virtualnorwood.com/forum/topic/9942-20metre-microwave-communications-mast-on-edge-of-norwood-park/