Proposal to place 5G mast in St Leonards

Developers have put forward a proposal to place a 5G mast in St Leonards.
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Hutchison UK Ltd has submitted an application to Hastings Borough Council planners for permission to erect the 18-metre monopole on the footpath opposite 174 Battle Road.

But objectors have voiced their concerns to the council by submitting online comments, saying the proposed mast would be out of keeping with the surrounding area.

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Sally Meander said: “The size and shape of this device overshadows nearby buildings, trees and other street furniture. It will be an unsightly monstrosity, totally out of place in the environment.

Battle Road, St Leonards. Picture from Google SUS-210419-112800001Battle Road, St Leonards. Picture from Google SUS-210419-112800001
Battle Road, St Leonards. Picture from Google SUS-210419-112800001

“This technology will directly impact the health of the people living nearby within the radiation zone of the mast. It will also affect the local shops, and the two nearby schools.”

Sally Beare said: “Phone masts are exceptionally unsightly. They are degrading to the aesthetics of an area, they devalue property, they create visual clutter, and they create an unsightly skyline as well as blocking views.

“There is no need for further network coverage in this area.”

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In a statement, WHP Telecoms Ltd, agents for Hutchison UK Ltd, said: “There is now a requirement to upgrade the UK H3G (Three) network to provide improved

coverage and capacity, most notably in relation to 5G services.

“The height of the pole has been kept down to the absolute minimum capable of providing the required essential new 5G coverage. The site has been selected on a wide adopted area of the highway in a position that will not impede pedestrian flow or the safety of passing motorists.

“To address any potential residential amenity issues as much as possible the proposed monopole and associated equipment has been placed against a screening backdrop of tall mature tree planting.

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“The proposal would not result in demonstrable harm to the character of the immediate or wider area. The proposal would respect and continue to maintain the character of the area and would be suitably distant from potentially sensitive users.”

The application will be discussed by the council at a later date.