On 19th August, Members of the Tonbridge and Malling Bourough Council rejected an application by telephone company Orange to install a 15 metre tower within yards of the White Horse Stone in Kent, England.
The application had almost gone unnoticed until a local resident found out and remembered that the Stone was used by Odinists/Wodenists for rituals and celebrations. He asked his friend to contact these groups on the internet and she contacted The Odinic Rite who sent word around the world asking people to contact the council with their objections. Over 100 people heeded this call.
The council meeting heard submissions from Hengest Thorsson of the Odinic Rite, Lee of Woden's Folk and from the local resident who had contacted the OR.
The Councillors were then able to give their comments and all agreed that this mast would be completely unsuitable in such an area. They also condemned Orange for their lack of concern for the special status of the site. Some councillors spoke out in support of the religious groups present and showed a genuine interest in the "history lesson" they were given. After unanimously voting to reject the application, an addition was added to the effect that "minority" religious groups with links to a monument should be consulted about development plans which involve that monument.
The Odinic Rite would like to thank all who took the time to object to this application and particularly the members of Woden's Folk who attended the council meeting.
I have received the following and thought it suitable for inclusion here:
I understand that the White Horse Stone in Kent UK is important to your religion and I am writing to tell you of a threat to it and the immediate environment.
Orange wants to install a 15 metre mast within feet of the Stone and adjacent to the Pilgrim's Way. They say it is temporary but once installed I don't think it will ever be removed.
The mast if given planning permission will be in the hedgerow next to the Cursing field where the Stone stands too.
It is an area of natural Beauty and the White Horse Stone is an Ancient Monument.
If you can please write to:
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
Attn: Steve Humphrey
Director of Planning and Engineering Services
Gibson Building
Gibson Drive
Kings Hill
West Malling, Kent
ME19 4LZ
Please quote the Application No: TM/04/02250/FL
If a lot of letters are received it will go to a committee to be
considered instead of being nodded through by an officer from planning.
Comments and objections must be received by 2nd August. (That is this coming Monday).
The person dealing with this is Jill Thompson her phone number is 01732 876234. her email is [email protected]
Hengest Thorsson
Internet Information Officer
The Odinic Rite
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