A HOST of new 5G masts proposed to tower over residential green areas have been described as “outrageous” by concerned residents and councillors.
Telecommunications provider Three submitted plans in June to install at least four 5G masts of varying heights in and around Canford Heath, two of which are located in small green areas of residential streets.
In Canford Heath, Three has applied for 15m masts in Tollerford Road and Hatchpond Road/Stindford Road, and a 16m mast in Yarrow Road.
In Waterloo, residents have expressed concerns over a 18m (60ft) mast which would tower over all trees and houses on the small green area in Roberts Road.
Communications companies can now submit applications under a process called ‘Prior Approval’ which will be approved unless it can be proven there is genuine harm attached to installation. Devaluation of property and supposed health risks are not considered valid objections.
Jill Richards has lived in Roberts Road for more than two decades and said she initially thought plans to build the 18m mast directly opposite her home was a “bad joke”.
She told the Echo: “It would be a hideous eyesore right outside mine and many other homes and I feel no thought has gone into the placement. It seems like they decide on an area best suited for the technology and that’s that, we’re expected to just accept it.
“To them I’m just an invisible pensioner.
“What a legacy we are leaving for future generations by blotting our landscapes with these towers. There are several other less intrusive places in the area they could go. I’m not against the technology or progress, but I think the siting should be more sympathetic to the locality.”
Another resident also said while he understood the technological benefit, there were “better suited” locations than the green area frequented by children. He said: “People who will call us NIMBIES clearly don’t have the same plans outside their front door. If they did, they would feel exactly the same as we do.”
If built, the mast would be at least 11m taller than all homes in Roberts Road.
Industrial areas were also suggested by Canford Heath ward councillor Sean Gabriel who supported the Yarrow Road application for this reason but objected to the Tollerford Road and Hatchpond Road applications due to their proximity to homes and the Hatch Pond nature reserve respectively.
“Planning and infrastructure developments like this are unlikely to be stopped but the more comments we input the more impact they will have,” he said.
The Tollerford Road application has seen more than 30 objections.
Community action has previously proven effective. In August last year, plans for a 5G mast in an estate in Broadstone were refused after more than 100 residents – backed by their councillors – objected.
A Three spokesperson said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses in the area. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and these sites will be critical to making that happen.
“Masts needs to be situated where people will be using the service and, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage. We carry out extensive searches and surveys to evaluate all the options.”
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