5G mast proposals for ‘worst possible place’ spark objections

An application relating to a proposed 15m high Phase 8 monopole, with six antennae, two ground-based equipment cabinets, a meter cabinet and ancillary development at Broadway, Gillars Green, in Eccleston was submitted to St Helens Council by Three UK.

The proposed site is on a curved grass verge that adjoins the roundabout at Broadway and Chapel Lane.

A cover letter in the plans said: “This is an application for a determination as to whether the prior approval of the authority will be required as to the siting and appearance of the development. This application is submitted for and on behalf of the mobile operator H3G LTE (Three UK)”.

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The application stated “it is considered to be the best location within the designated search area that could introduce this proposal in a way that minimises visual intrusion as much as practically possible”.

It added “the equipment is considered unlikely to have any material impact on the local area, however it should bring significant connectivity improvements”.

However, dozens of residents made representations against the plans with the location described by one as “the worst possible place” for a mast.

One wrote: “Apart from the visual aspect of this 15-metre high monstrosity, this pole would be situated in the worst possible place, within ridiculously close proximity to houses and their occupants”.

Another objection added: “This 15-metre high structure does not fit in with the quiet suburban community and neighbouring residential character areas. Secondly, whilst the conspiracy theories surrounding COVID and 5G are clearly false, the wider scientific and health-care community appreciate that the long-term health implications of 5G installations such as this are not yet fully understood.

“Therefore, I feel it would be irresponsible to install a 5G mast in the planned location, so close to the surrounding residential properties, and so object to this proposal”.

In an objection comment, Eccleston ward councillor Michael Haw said: “Residents and I understand that investment in local infrastructure is important, but not all locations are suitable for such large installations, and in our view, this location isn’t appropriate.

“The proposed 5G mast would be a visually dominant and intrusive structure which would have a detrimental impact on the design and character of a quiet suburban area”.

A decision on whether approval would be required is expected to be made by council planners by August 14.