A RADIO enthusiast who lost a protracted battle with Stroud District Council over a nine-metre aerial is now facing fresh challenges over an even taller mast.

In 2009 Robert Dodson was ordered to dismantle an eight metre tall mast he erected without permission in the back garden of his home in Middleyard, near King’s Stanley.

Since then he moved to a bungalow in Rodborough to continue to passion as an amateur radio ham.

Mr Dodson has now submitted a planning application to erect an even taller 14 metre mast near an orchard at the bottom of his garden in 22 Southgate Crescent.

He stresses the new mast would include a winch would allow it to be raised only during the hours it is being used, and that it is hidden by fruit trees.

However, some of his neighbours are calling for the application to be refused again and have described it as an “eyesore”.

They say the 45ft concrete mast and its three pronged antenna are intrusive and can clearly be seen from their houses.

Commenting on the council’s planning website, Robert Cullis, who lives on Bath Road, said: “My garden backs onto this site and I object on the grounds that this structure would be an eyesore and totally inappropriate for this residential area, and is non-essential.

“The present aerial structure already impairs an otherwise lovely view.”

Joanne Hampton, who also lives on Bath Road, added: “I object to this awful plan on the grounds that this structure would be an eyesore and totally inappropriate for a residential area.

“The structure is 13.5 metres tall - much higher than some of the housing on Eros close and Southgate gardens and will dominate the local landscape for those living nearby.

Rosa Davis commented: “The mast is totally inappropriate in this residential area, and would ruin the beautiful view of Rodborough Common.

“It would be an eyesore and an intrusion for me and for all who live nearby.”

Another resident pointed out that in 2009 Mr Dodson’s aerial caused interference for several properties around him.

His current bungalow is located in a densely packed cluster of other homes in Southgate Crescent.

Rodborough Parish Council are due to discuss the planning application at its meeting on Monday, August 15.

Last time around, Mr Dodson lodged an appeal with The Planning Inspectorate after he was served an enforcement notice for its removal by Stroud District Council.

But an inspector opted to uphold SDC’s notice after a one-day hearing at Ebley Mill.

Mr Dodson was allowed to store the mast on his property.

To view the plans for yourself visit www.stroud.gov.uk/apps/planning and search S.16/1015/HHOLD