We aim to prevent the desecration of Rawdon Billing through Cornerstone's proposed telecom base station installation.  The Billing is an area of special local interest and natural beauty, and is part of our local heritage, and this is in danger of being destroyed by this installation.

For context:

• The Rawdon Neighbourhood Development Plan (2024-2028) states that the Billing is a “demonstrably special” area is because it is a “Highly visible local landmark with significant built heritage interest including the remains of a quarry, concrete foundations for WW2 defensive installations and a dam at the foot built…around 1858”.  
• The Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, Section 15, states that “Planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment”, including protecting and enhancing biodiversity and geodiversity by protecting and enhancing valued landscapes and recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside.

We can see no evidence that Cornerstone have considered any of the above in their decision around the proposed site.  In fact, contrary to the above, the location is:

• directly below the ‘viewing point’ from the Billing and would completely obliterate the nearby views to the dam and wide-reaching views across to the moors.
• in a completely open area.  There is no attempt to hide the mast or blend it into the area.  The installation is on a vast scale (twice the size of the existing mast, which is also remaining) and would therefore destroy the character and beauty of this local landmark.
• directly between two paths frequently used by the public to access the Billing from the dam and vice-versa.
• is an area rich with diverse wildlife and a natural habitat to a range of wildflowers and other vegetation – all of which would be damaged or destroyed, rather than enhanced by the installation.

Due to its proximity to the boating lake, which also has an abundance of water birds, this is one of the most popular areas of the Billing with families from Rawdon and surrounding areas. It is also used frequently by the local pre-school for outdoor activities, and by rambling and running groups.

At a time when people are generally being encouraged to exercise more to improve their physical health and to spend time outdoors for the known mental health benefits, it is counterintuitive to reduce the amount of valuable green space and to build an installation which will actually deter people from using the area.

The World Health Organization states that such installations close to residential areas have potential health implications (source: WHO). Hence this petition aims not only to safeguard the beauty of Rawdon Billing but also to ensure the wellbeing of the local community.

From research we have taken, including speaking to people in the industry, we have been informed that there are other suitable locations where the mast could be installed. We have also been advised that the proposed location could still suffer from signal issues once the nearby trees are in leaf. 

We urge you to support our campaign and press Cornerstone to reconsider their plans and the Council to stop the plans going ahead. Your signature can make a difference. Sign this petition today.