Opposition mounts to mast plan

RESIDENTS, a leisure centre boss and local politicians have expressed anger over a proposed 4G mast in Llanishen, Cardiff.

Waldon Telecom wants to build a 25m mast behind Llanishen Leisure Centre, on Ty-Glas Avenue. The mast would provide coverage for EE and Three, and could be later upgraded to provide 5G too.

The company has applied to Cardiff council for planning permission.

But people living on Ty-Glas Avenue have complained that the mast would obstruct the views from their gardens, and the leisure centre is concerned the mast would block access.

Viv McMillian, head of legal for GLL, which runs the leisure centre, said the mast would take up 10 car-parking spaces. Writing to the council, she said: “We need all the places we can get. Losing 10 spaces will have a significant impact on customers.

“The location is along an access route and is adjacent to several fire exit doors. In the event of emergency, fire engines and other emergency vehicles may need access, which cannot be gained from any other direction”.

David Tucker lives on Ty-Glas Road and has a garden that backs on to the land where the mast is proposed. He wrote to the council with concerns about vandalism.

Mr Tucker said: “As this land is unused and has easy access, I can understand why Waldon Telecom wish to site a 25m-high mast here, but I wish to object to the planning application as the mast and associated buildings will attract vandalism and be an eyesore.”

Margaret GIlbert also lives on TyGlas Road, and complained the mast would be an “eyesore”. She said: “I have a beautiful garden which I pay gardeners to upkeep every two weeks, and the pole will ruin the view of my garden.”

They were backed by local politicians Anna McMorrin, MP for Cardiff North, and Thomas Parkhill, councillor for Llanishen.

Ms McMorrin said: “Its dominating presence will have an unnecessary and damaging impact on the visual and local environment.”

Cllr Parkhill added: “The residents of St Isan retirement village will now find their flat windows will face a large monopole, instead of looking across the green historic village of Llanishen.”

EE and Three previously had a mast on the roof of Orchards House, TyGlas Road, but this was lost when the building was recently demolished. A temporary mast has been put up near the leisure centre.

Chris Andrews, planning agent representing Waldon Telecom, said: “This site has been identified as a suitable location to provide adequate replacement coverage to the whole of the target coverage area. It is the only realistic option to provide replacement coverage from a single site.

“Should this not be acceptable, then the area will need to be covered by two sites. The site at Llanishen Leisure Centre is the only available site which can cover the whole of the target area from a single installation.”

Planners at the council have not yet decided whether to grant planning permission for the mast.