Disbelief as 18-metre high 5G phone mast is erected in Newbury

Residents have expressed their disbelief after an 18 metre high 5G telephone mast was put up in Newbury without planning permission being needed.

The 'massive' mast has been erected at the corner of Link Road and St John’s Road, just outside Baldev's Dental Care and approximately 160m from St Nicholas Junior School.

An application was submitted to West Berkshire Council on April 19 to determine whether or not planning approval was required.

On June 16, the council decided that no permission was needed as it was 'not considered to have an adverse impact on the character of the surrounding area'.

The planning officer's report also noted that no letters of objection, or support, had been received.

However, one resident contacted NewburyToday on Monday to say: "Today during my walk I noticed a massive telecommunication mast on the back of a lorry, near Newbury train station.

"Nearby, on a telephone pole, was a planning application notice which was out of sight of general view (facing away from the road, at the back of the pole).

"The consultation notice was apparently put on the telephone pole on 5 May, with the consultation ending on 26 May.

"I have talked to a few nearby residents and no-one was aware that the mast was to be erected. Like me, the only thing they could see was the hole in the ground and, today, the lorry with the mast on the back.

"Local residents should have been informed of the plans (not just with an A4 poster on a phone pole), and be consulted on the proposal so they could have their say.

"I have received notifications of major works by National Rail when I live far away from the place of works, but not when an 18m mast is about to be erected close to where I live, with possible future health implications?

"This is not an argument about the pros and cons of 5G etc but about the consultation with the local residents on changes to the local infrastructure that could impact their daily life."

In the planning documents, the case officer said: "The proposal is also seeking to upgrade the existing network to provide improved coverage and capacity, most notably in relation to 5G services.

"The height of the mast is higher than the existing mast as it is due to the requirements of the 5G network services.

"The mast will be grey in colour and it is not considered that the appearance of the proposed works would have an adverse impact on the character of the surrounding areas. The proposal is therefore considered acceptable in terms of appearance."

What do you think of the mast? Is it acceptable, or just plain ugly?

Email dan.cooper@newburynews.co,uk with your views.