CONTROVERSIAL plans to install a 5G phone mast in Solihull have been refused by planning chiefs.
The proposed 15-metre high mast, which would have the fourth to be installed in the borough if granted planning permission, was earmarked for the corner of Monkspath Hall Road and Charterhouse Drive.
Phone company Three said the mast would have provided 5G coverage its customers in the Hillfield area.
Residents living in nearby Hillfield have spoken out against the plans saying it is positioned too close to houses as and represents a further ugly blot on Hillfield’s well planned and popular environment.
As well as a petition with 319 signatures, Solihull council received 31 separate letters of objection.
Campaigner Tim Payne said at the meeting: “The proposal would be hugely detrimental to the visual amenity and street scene, all for a mast in the wrong place. Please refuse this application – it has no technical justification.”
St Alphege Councillor Joe Tildesly added he disagreed with ‘just about everything’ in the planning officer’s report.
He added: “Telecoms companies must work together to share and upgrade their masts to 5G. The 319 signatures on the Hillfield petition already show the strength of feeling against just this one mast.”
Solihull’s own planning rules state that a telecommunications mast should be double its height away from the closest home.
According to plans, this mast would have been less than 30 metres away from the nearest home.
It was pointed out to the planning committee that national policy has a different set of rules and would supersede local policy in this instance.
