Calling it "unacceptable" and "overbearing," local councillors have denied a Kirkcaldy homeowner's proposal for a ham radio mast standing 11-meters, or 36 feet, tall.

Krzysztof Swierczynski MMØIMU had applied for authorisation several months ago, telling the Council that he would only raise the mast to its full height when he needed to use it. He said in a statement: [quote] “Amateur radio is a nationally and internationally recognised technical hobby which promotes engineering skills, experimentation and international communication, and can provide valuable emergency communications when required.” [endquote]

Councillors rejected the mast as unsuitable for a residential area, saying its impact on neighbouring homes and rear gardens would be "overbearing" and beyond the character of the area.

The ham defended his application, saying it supports lawful ham radio activity. The website, Fife Today, quoted him as saying: [quote] "These roles are acknowledged in the Scottish Government’s national planning guidance which supports reasonable development by licensed radio amateurs." [endquote]