The JRPP, which discussed the matter with Telstra consultants, a North Nowra resident and Shoalhaven City Council representatives, determined Telstra had not made a sufficient case to justify the site over others.

The proposal was for a 35 metre tall monopole with a head frame and 12 attached panel antennae.

Consideration of the matter has been deferred until Telstra can put forward a revised submission.

Shoalhaven City Council development planning manager Robert Russell said the major criticism of Telstra’s submission was the visual analysis of the proposed tower.

“They must investigate a means of reducing the visual impact on surrounding houses,” he said.

North Nowra resident Geoff Vercoe’s back door is only 60 metres from where the tower was proposed.

“The visual impact on our lives is huge,” he said.

“My wife and I have spent a lot of money on our home to enjoy our retirement years.

“The living areas and landscaping have all been designed to face north to enjoy the outlook and sunny aspect.

“Our landscaping hides the industrial buildings but the Telstra tower is going to be very ugly and right in our face,” Mr Vercoe said.

Mr Vercoe said the tower could lower the value of his home by $200,000.

He proposed a number of alternative sites, including the disused tip and the continuation of Pitt Street over Illaroo Road where the power lines intersect the bitumen loop road.

“This site is well over 500 metres from houses and would have little visual impact, if any.

“The disused tip site is 250 metres from houses,” Mr Vercoe said.

Telstra Country Wide area general manager Pat Nolan said Telstra had looked around the area at a number of different sites.

“In [part] of the site there is a lattice tower for 2ST and some high voltage power lines, so it isn’t too much out of context against those.

“Having said that we will take on board comments and community feedback and see if we can modify the facility.

“We do need a site in that area though so people can get good coverage not just outside, but inside their houses,” he said.

The JRPP will meet again on July 22 to seek a progress report.

A revised submission from Telstra is expected within approximately one month.