VILLAGE FEARS OVER 5G MAST
Concerns over application to install 20m high post
Plans have been submitted to South Lanarkshire Council for a 20 metre high 5G phone mast near the Village conservation area.
The mast and four equipment cabinets would be situated close to the Hunter Memorial area off Glebe Street and West Mains Road.
While welcoming the roll out of 5G in the area – and the need for the infrastructure to support it – East Kilbide Central North Councillor Joe Fagan has questioned whether this is the best site for it.
He is asking the applicant, WHP Telecoms, to consider other locations.
Councillor Fagan told the News: “There is no doubt that 5G is the future and that means more masts in the town.
“The problem with this particular proposal is the proximity of a 20 metre mast to the Hunter Memorial Area.
“I have been taking up the concerns of East Mains Community Council to improve the appearance of the area. Things are on hold somewhat due to the COVID crisis but we have secured better lighting and with the other local councillors we are trying to get some repairs carried out following a walkabout in the area.”
He went on: “The best known memorial at this site is obviously the memorial to the Hunter Brothers but there are others.
“Nearest the proposed location of the mast, there is a memorial to the six people from East Kilbride who died during the Udston Colliery disaster that was installed by South Lanarkshire Council and Blantyre Miners Welfare.
“The 20 metre mast would only be a stone’s throw away from the Udston memorial.
“I don’t think this is an appropriate site for a 5G mast.
“That’s why I’ve asked the applicant to share what other sites they have considered.
“They should work with the Council constructively to identify a less sensitive site, away from these memorials.”
Councillor Fagan added: “We need 5G in the town and that will mean masts. I just think this location is one we should be trying to enhance, not spoil with a mast that would be much, much taller than any other structure in the immediate area.”
Seven letters of objection from residents have been submitted on the council’s planning portal, raising concerns over the proximity to the conservation area and the memorials – with one objector saying it would be a “eyesore” and blight its surroundings.
East Mains Community Council say while they have some reservations about screening, they would not object to he proposals as a whole.
Chairman Bill Arthur said: “We are slightly concerned that if it’s not screened properly it could be a bit of an eyesore.
“But there are trees near the proposed site and if they are allowed to mature, they should mostly screen the aerial and ancillary boxes.”