5G mast proposal rejected
Plans to introduce 5G to Cambuslang have stalled after a mobile phone mast application was knocked back.
South Lanarkshire Council ruled that an expansion to the existing mast at Halfway and District bowling club, on Mill Road, would have an negative impact on the area.
The proposal had been brought by phone giants EE and Three, with the upgraded mast suitable for the controversial 5G upgrade.
The fifth generation of mobile internet services would bring much faster downloads and upgrades, as well as a number of possible new services in the future.
However, it has sparked a number of unfounded conspiracy theories as well, regarding potential health risks from having masts nearby, while health bodies are continuing to research any medical risks posed by masts.
Ultimately, the council’s decision was simply based around the size of the expanded mast being an eyesore for the area.
The new mast would have
been 20 metres tall, replacing the existing 15 metre tall apparatus.
The council report found: “It is considered that the mast would be a prominent and visually obtrusive feature which would be detrimental to the character and amenity of the area.
“Whilst the principle of telecommunications infrastructure within the urban area is well established, it is considered that this proposal is not compatible with the character and amenity of the locality due to its height and resulting visual prominence.
“The mast would be highly visible from the houses opposite and the trees would not provide mitigation, particularly in winter.
“Whilst it is acknowledged that there is currently a mast on site and that it will be removed, the new mast will be five metres higher and 0.5 metres wider in diameter.
“The previous mast was originally erected as a flagpole style mast which was then modestly amended by two further applications.
“The adopted policy outlined above also requires replacement equipment to be less intrusive than the equipment they are replacing.”
The council had received eight letters of complaint regarding the mast.
Members of Halfway community council welcomed the decision. A spokesperson for the local organisation told the Reformer: “It is a good outcome for the nearby community, some of whom took the time to consider and object.
“We do appreciate that with increasing technology needs 5G is needed, but it needs to be in the right place.
“We were surprised that planning did not make any reference to our concerns about the potential health concerns, given that the World Health Organisation have not concluded their research in this area.“
EE failed to respond to the Reformer’s request for comment by the time of our deadline.