Phone mast gets signal to go ahead
DESPITE FEARS OVER HEALTH RISKS
FEARS over the health implications of the 5G mobile network failed to derail plans for a replacement mast at the airport roundabout near Ponteland.
A bid to replace an existing mobile phone mast with a new, taller mast, on a site across the A696 from Newcastle Airport, was unanimously approved by the Castle Morpeth Local Area Council on Monday.
The new monopole will be five metres taller and provide improved 2G, 3G, 4G and new 5G coverage to the surrounding area.
Despite the height increase, the only reason that it needed planning permission is because it is to be sited 4.5 metres away from the current mast; if it were in the same position, it would be permitted development.
The committee heard objections from John Blundell and Ian Mclean about the health risks of 5G and claims that it causes cancer and DNA breaks – something which is by no means universally accepted by scientists or medics.
Ponteland Town Council had also objected, with Coun Alan Hall saying that members did not have expertise in the effects of 5G, but did have ‘health and safety’ concerns.
However, planning manager Liz Sinnamon pointed out that the national planning rulebook (the NPPF) makes clear its support for 5G technology.
She quoted paragraph 112, which says: “Planning policies and decisions should support the expansion of electronic communications networks, including next generation mobile technology (such as 5G) and full fibre broadband connections.”
Coun David Towns said: “The principal objections have very little to do with what we are here to decide. Stopping the national rollout of 5G is not within the power of this committee.
“We are being asked to approve this development, not make a moral or medical decision on this.”
Coun Richard Dodd added: “It’s away from residential areas and the airport hasn’t objected.
“As a council, we are trying to roll out 5G and improve communications in rural areas.”
Coun Elaine Armstrong agreed that it was ‘an ideal location’ and that’s it needed as ‘communication in parts of Ponteland is bad,’ affecting people trying to run businesses, for example.