‘Unsightly’ Residents hit out at plan for 5G mast

APLAN to erect a 5G mast in a residential area of Lawrence Weston has sparked anger among some residents.

Telecommunications company Three submitted an application to Bristol City Council in July “to determine if prior approval is required” to build the 18-metretall mast.

It intends to site it on The Gastons and says it will help people and businesses get “faster and more reliable network coverage”.

But some residents have expressed concern over the location, and there have been more than 50 objections to the planning application since August 27.

One resident, Ellen Howard, is worried about the impact on the natural landscape.

She said: “At 18 metres, the proposed mast would tower above the adjacent trees, the tallest of which is five metres, with another opposite at 15 metres, and numerous private dwellings.

“This is an area of open character, with wonderful views, so it would totally dominate the skyline, blocking the view of nearby residents, disturbing the mental and visual serenity of residents and visitors in a highly populated residential area.”

Another resident, Fatima Montero, had similar worries. She said: “It would be unsightly and unpleasant having an 18m tower near our homes. I also suffer from anxiety, and having such a tall mast near my home adds to my stress and worries. Please consider building this mast elsewhere. It is not welcome here.”

Another resident, Julian Miles, said the new mast would be close to local facilities, only 268 metres from a primary school and 170m from a care home.

He also pointed out it would be near to wildlife, and said: “This proposed 18m (59ft) 5G mast could adversely affect young children, households with families, elderly residents and a variety of wildlife, including birds, small mammals and vital pollinating insects.”

However, some locals have supported the application. One person said: “I neither knew nor cared about this until somebody put a pamphlet through my door.

I have researched/fact-checked every point made in that pamphlet as well as reading all of the application documents in full.

“I also went and had a look at a 5G tower which is already in place and am fully satisfied that there are zero risks to health and that it would blend in like a street lamp.

“I’m also in support of the 5G network growing.”

Three claims the mast could be extremely useful for the local area. A spokesperson said: “Access to 5G has a vital role to play in boosting local economies, helping residents and businesses get faster and more reliable network coverage.

“This is why we’re working with the local council in Bristol to roll out the UK’s fastest 5G network so that we can keep everyone connected both now and in the future.

“While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be situated where people will be using the service and in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.

“They must also be tall enough to transmit over nearby buildings and trees to meet regulations and to ensure the signal can reach as many people as possible.

“We carry out extensive searches and surveys to evaluate all the options. We then choose the option most likely to gain planning approval from the local council. This will include showing we have minimised the impact on residents and the locality.”

I have fact-checked every point made in a pamphlet. I also went and had a look at a 5G tower in place and am fully satisfied that there are zero risks to health and that it would blend in like a street lamp

Plan supporter