AN AMATEUR radio operator is set to be ordered to remove several “alien and intrusive” antennae from the walls of a terraced home in Shoebury.

Planning experts claim the seven antennae will need to taken down from a building in The Drakes because they are “out of character with the area” and have not received planning permission.

Enforcement action has previously been taken on the property in 2002 when some antennae were removed.

Another enforcement notice was issued in 2014 but those antennae remained and have since been added to.

But following a fresh complaint in January 2020, Southend Council is now looking to remove them from the building.

A report to councillors on Southend’s development control committee, said: “The masts appear intrusive, alien and out of character in this area of high-density residential development and detract from the appearance of the building on which they are situated.

“They are therefore detrimental to the visual and residential amenities of the area, particularly insofar as the properties to the rear in Heron Close are concerned, and the development is therefore contrary to policies and the Local Plan.”

Shoebury Ward councillor Stephen Wakefield said: “I haven’t received any complaints from residents, but if you have masts that are unsightly you have to get the relevant permission to make sure it is okay.”

According to the Radio Society of Great Britain, most antennae need planning permission unless they are considered permitted development such as for TV antennae and ground mounted antennae up to three metres in height, although some local councils allow more.

If they have been present for four years or more they may also be exempt but proof would be required. If an antenna is mobile it may also not need planning permission.

However, the report adds: “The antennae on site do not benefit from permitted development provisions and with the service of the 2014 notice any potential permitted development rights have been lost.

“The antennae are considered to result in demonstrable and significant harm to the visual amenity of the area.”

The committee will consider the matter on Wednesday before voting on whether to take enforcement action.