I’m usually careful in what I say publicly about individual planning cases. Although still at the pre-application stage (that is to say, no formal planning application has yet been submitted) I will make an exception in this case, as I know there will be a lot of public interest… and concern.
On 4th August I received advance notice of a proposed installation by CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd – who will be responsible for construction – on behalf of the Operator, in this case H3G (better known as Three).
The exact location of the proposed site can be found on these drawings . They have to be seen to be believed.
I immediately sent an email reply, as follows…
While I am in favour of the continued rollout of 5G infrastructure in principle and the balance of finding optimum sites, I am dumbfounded by the proposed location of a 15m-high mast and cabinet at such a prominent pedestrian gateway to our village shopping precinct. I’m afraid I will resist this forcefully on the grounds that it would cause ‘significant harm’ to the character of the village centre and would respectfully suggest you bring forward an alternative location.
I will keep the community informed as this plays out – including if and when a planning application is forthcoming.
