Outcry as 5G mast refused

Residents have hit out at a decision to refuse planning permission for a new 5G mast on the outskirts of Bath.

The plans for the mast in Charlcombe were rejected by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee last week after 343 people, including Bath MP Wera Hobhouse and cabinet members, objected to the proposals.

The upgraded mast would have given EE and Three new 5G coverage and improved service for 2G, 3G and 4G.

At the virtual planning committee meeting, the mast was rejected, after it was felt that development of the green belt in the village would be inappropriate.

A number of people took to social media to oppose the decision saying health fears were being overplayed.

Paul Cuckoo said: “I’m very worried we’re going to let fake health concerns around 5G and similar technologies prevent progress, and leave us in the Stone Age as the rest of the country moves on.”

Anne Graham added: “No worries whatsoever. None. This reminds me of people who refused to travel through the Box tunnel when the railways first opened. Anyone do that now?”

Dave Mckay wrote: “I trust none of those fretting about such tiny low-energy signals ever sets foot outside when that gazillion-tonne fusion reactor in the sky is shining.”

At the meeting, David Robinson said: “343 objections represents significant community feeling that the local authority cannot ignore.

“There are too many omissions and risks for this application to progress.

“The community has sent a very clear message.”

Bathavon North ward member Cllr Sarah Warren - who kept her video off during the virtual meeting because of “flaky” broadband - said the safety of the technology was still being debated.

She said: “The precautionary principle emphasises caution, pause and review before leaping into innovations that may prove disastrous.

“All the 343 residents who have objected are asking for is not to be used as guinea pigs in a global experiment.”