Parish councillors have called for an investigation into why a historic radio mast has not been reerected after being dismantled, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The Grade II-listed concrete tripod structure was installed outside Durham Police’s Aykley Heads base in 1968, having been designed by the office of the celebrated Ove Arup, who engineered Sydney Opera House and Durham City’s own Kingsgate Bridge.
It was dismantled in 2017 to make way for a housing development, but it was a condition of the planning permission that the mast would be retained and re-erected.
Yet the 49.4 metre structure has been laid down in a storage area and covered in tarpaulin ever since. Durham Police later applied to demolish the mast, but its bid was rejected in 2023.
Now, the City of Durham Parish Council has called for an independent probe into the lack of activity as community leaders warned the mast has been “dumped to rot”.
Responding to the demolition application in 2023, councillors likened any potential demolition to committing “cultural vandalism”, with one adding that it would be “like knocking down Durham Cathedral”.
Speaking nine years after the mast was dismantled, Cllr Rory Handy said: “Its removal was permitted on the basis that it would be rebuilt, yet several years on, that commitment has not been fulfilled”.
Councillor Liz Brown, parish council planning committee chair, added: “It is particularly unfortunate that a public body responsible for upholding lawful conduct has behaved in this way.”
Joy Allen, Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, previously warned of the high financial costs it would take to reassemble the mast.
She said: “Reinstatement does not come without technical problems, not least ageing materials, structural damage and the need to meet modern safety standards. A recent site assessment revealed that critical elements, including keystone screws, had already failed when the mast was removed.
“I fully respect the planning committee’s decision, and my Office continues to work constructively to meet the planning conditions as far as is reasonably possible.
“I remain committed to ensuring this matter is handled openly, respectfully, and in the best interests of our communities.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
