Mixed reaction from community to plan for 5G mast
EASTVILLE residents have submitted mixed comments on plans for a new 5G mast.
CK Hutchison Networks wants to build a 20-metre high monopole with six antennae on the pavement of Royate Hill, near the junction with Fishponds Road.
The mast would have three upper antennae providing 5G coverage and three lower ones providing 3G and 4G, as well as two transmission dishes and four equipment cabinets.
CK Hutchison has made a planning application “to determine if prior approval is required”. There have so far been 10 objections from locals and two comments in support.
Tom Martin, of Clark Drive, wrote: “I support this application, improved mobile coverage is essential to reduce the digital divide and the technology has been shown to be safe for humans and the wider environment.”
And Martin Seagrave, of Cowper Street, said: “I support the installation of this infrastructure.
“Improving wireless connectivity is important for our city, and the technology has been shown to be safe for humans and the wider environment.”
But Duncan George, of Herbert Crescent, argued the erection of a 20-metre mast is “not in the interests of the community”, adding: “It is yet another example of our local area being degraded by advertising and unsightly infrastructure projects.” Caroline Duncan, of Poplar Place, wrote: “The mast is ugly and at 20 metres high is much taller than any building in the surrounding area.”
She expressed a concern the mast would “reduce the price of property” in the area.
The application document says: “The proposed development is required to provide new infill coverage for the H3G network (known as ‘3’).
“The site is primarily required to provide new 5G coverage and capacity to the area surrounding the site. It would also improve 4G coverage and capacity.
“The presence of existing streetlights, traffic lights and tall trees to the north of Fishponds Road will provide a good level of screening to the monopole and equipment cabinets, blending the development onto the street scene. The site would be set back on the pavement, close to the grass verge.
“In designing the proposed installation, the applicant has sought to achieve a balance between technical requirements and minimising environmental impact as far as was practicable.”
5G uses higher frequency waves so more devices can be connected to it. It allows for faster internet speeds.