Planning bosses approve blueprints to install a 20-metre high 5G mast

The mast will be built at Whitehill Lane, Brinsworth, despite objections from residents on the grounds of health and that the mast is 'unsightly'.

A report to planning board members stated: "The proposed site is located within a densely packed residential area, with no scope to pull the mast outside of this area and give the cell 5G coverage.

"The cell search areas for 5G are extremely constrained with a typical cell radius of approximately 250m meaning that it would not be feasible to site the column outside of this locale."

The council received ten representations, including one from a local ward councillor.

One objector stated: "The mast will be unsightly and does not need to be in the middle of a residential estate. Don’t want to be looking at this through my window. Plus, I think these things can cause health issues."

Another neighbour added: "The cost to the surrounding home owners could not only be their health from radiation caused by the masts but also a financial cost through the considerable depreciation that the mast would cause on house prices."

Another added: "I object to this mast being erected as there are safety concerns around the transmission of telecoms masts and also in the current climate, there is a possibility that the mast may be vandalised, based on current news reports and strong public objection to 5G masts."

The report concludes that the mast is a suitable solution for the area, and that 5G infrastructure is needed to support economic growth and increased connectivity.

The application, on behalf of WHP Telecoms Ltd states: "There is now a requirement to upgrade the UK H3G (Three) network to provide improvedcoverage and capacity, most notably in relation to 5G services.

"Three are in the process of building out the UK’s fastest 5G network. To bring this new technology to the people H3G will need to provide a mix of upgrades to existing sites and the building of new sites.

"We consider the development complies with both central government and local planning policy guidance where the underlying aim is to provide an efficient and competitive telecommunication system for the benefit of the community while minimising visual impact."

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