Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
ANGER AS 5G MAST TO TOWER OVER CITY HOMES
An “eyesore” 5G phone mast the height of three double-decker buses is set to be erected - prompting some residents to consider moving.
The new 50ft transmitter will be installed at the junction between Honeywood Close and Sturry Road, and operated by mobile network Three.
It will tower over properties near Invicta Motors and Papa Johns Pizza takeaway. David Twyman, of Honeywood Close, believes the transmitter will be an unsightly addition to the area.
“I don’t fancy it. It’s going to be an eyesore,” the 76-year-old said. “I don’t have any issues with my phone and nor does my daughter- she has no trouble with her signal - so I don’t think it’s needed. There’s got to be somewhere else to put it, like a field or close to the play park nearby.” Meanwhile, mature student Michelle Clohesy, 43, says the lofty structure would look “out of place”.
“It’s going to look pretty ugly,” she added.
“I’m more concerned about the health risks, though, associated with them.
“I was completely unaware about the plans. I might move before it gets put there.” The electromagnetic radiation used by mobile phone technologies has led some people to worry about increased health risks, including developing certain types of cancer.
But the government says that while a small increase in exposure to radio waves is possible when 5G is added to the existing network, “the overall exposure is expected to remain low”. And the frequency range of the 5G signals being introduced is well below those considered harmful by the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection. Three argues the planned site in Sturry is shielded by mature trees, and that existing street furniture such as lampposts will help the mast blend in. Original plans had been for a 20-metre transmitter, but these were revised and the height reduced. Three says this is the “absolute minimum” size capable of providing the required new coverage.
No planning permission is required for the mast as it qualifies as a permitted development. Local councillor Jean Butcher (Northgate, Lab) says the technology is the “way forward” - especially when more people are working from home amid the coronavirus pandemic. And businessman Keith Martin, whose Sturry Road bed and breakfast The Four Seasons sits opposite the site, said: “We need the technology, so we’re going to have to put up with these posts being erected.
“It’ll make our lives a little bit easier because we’ll have faster technology.
“There are a lot of students in this area, and they’ll benefit from it.
“No one’s going to decide not to stay here because there’s a big mast over there, so it’s not going to affect our business.”
The bid does not require planning approval due to its scale. Masts greater than 25 metres - or 20 metres in beauty spots - previously required green-lighting from local authorities. Three says the Surry Road mast will be erected “as soon as possible”, but was unable to provide an exact date for the construction.
What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk.