![\"Removal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_Removal-of-the15m-high-IX-Wireless-mast-on-Snowden-Street-in-Heywood.jpg\")
Removal of the15m high IX Wireless mast on Snowden Street in Heywood(Image: Nick Bowling)<\/p>\nThe mast left local residents shocked when it was first erected in September 2023Removal of the15m high IX Wireless mast on Snowden Street in Heywood(Image: Nick Bowling)<\/p>\n
A huge mast on a residential street in Heywood has been taken down following a two-year-long between residents and a telecoms company.<\/p>\n
In September 2023, Nick Bowling returned from holiday to discover IX Wireless had erected a huge 15m mast outside his house. Since then he has been battling to have it removed.<\/p>\n
The mast was said to have helped boost internet and mobile connectivity in the area. But locals \u2013 and the council \u2013 said they felt the location on Snowden Street was \u2018unsightly\u2019.<\/p>\n
Nick contacted ward councillor Peter Hodgkinson for help, before the town hall and MP Elsie Blundell got involved. It eventually led to an enforcement notice being issued, meaning IX Wireless had to take down the mast.<\/p>\n
To see planning applications; traffic and road diversions and layout changes; and more, visit the Public Notices Portal HERE<\/a><\/p>\n The telecoms company lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate, but has since withdrawn it. It could mean the end of the mast for good.<\/p>\n Nick said: \u201cIt has been quite a long and painful process as initially we were told \u2018they are allowed to put them up and there is nothing we can do about it\u2019. I wasn\u2019t getting anywhere and so I arranged a meeting with Coun Peter Hodgkinson.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was absolutely fantastic. He came to my house and couldn\u2019t believe what he was seeing. This led to the council looking into it and getting the enforcement.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m still in a state of shock because it\u2019s actually happened \u2013 it has been a bit of a rollercoaster. I am thrilled because I can sit in my back garden and look at the sunset without my view being obstructed by the huge mast.\u201d<\/p>\n The council hopes it will be able to use the method if there are problems with other masts in the future. Town hall bosses say they want better connectivity, but that masts must be in reasonable locations and erected following thorough consultation with residents.<\/p>\n Coun Neil Emmott, leader of the council, said: \u201cWe\u2019re delighted that this unsightly mast in Heywood<\/a> has been removed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re very aware of the impact these masts have had on our communities and share our residents\u2019 obvious concerns about their unsightly appearance.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why we have invested considerable time and resources into tackling this issue, including contacting Ofcom and issuing a planning enforcement notice. We\u2019re aware that there are other masts in the borough which are also causing issues for residents and we are also seeking their removal.<\/p>\n \u201cThe removal of the mast in Heywood is a step in the right direction and we are engaged in ongoing discussions with IX wireless to build on this and get the right result for affected residents in all parts of the borough.<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_The-15m-high-IX-Wireless-mast-erected-on-Snowden-Street-in-Heywood.jpg\")
The 15m high IX Wireless mast erected on Snowden Street in Heywood(Image: Nick Bowling)<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_N-Emmott-07-1.jpg\")
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council<\/p>\n