RESIDENTS in Bearwood are scratching their heads after plans for a 5G mast on a grass verge were submitted – in exactly the same place as another was refused in the summer.
Several objections have already been lobbied at a second attempt by Three UK to erect a 15 metre 5G mast on a grass verge near homes in King John Avenue, having already been thwarted by BCP Council planners in August.
At the time, council planners said the proposal “would fail to respect the established character and appearance of the area and adversely impact on longer views and the street scene”.
After around three months, Three UK resubmitted the plans and adapted the design of the mast itself in an attempt to relieve the concerns raised by the council and residents.
In its application, Three UK said: “Please note this is a resubmission further to a refusal at this location. The new proposed site design is a smaller less intrusive mast and so we hope this will be acceptable to the planning authority and enable this utility infrastructure to be deployed.
“It is our opinion that the proposed design presents a better ‘fit’ within the local community and immediate street scape, offering a reduced visual impact upon an area of adopted highway identified, as situated out with a conservation area or other such restrictive designation.”
However, for some residents of King John Avenue the revised plans offer no comfort – with one describing the slight changes as “pathetic”.
Matt and Hannah Holloway both objected to the new proposals, citing the fact the mast had not been lowered in height.
Mrs Holloway said: “The 5G mast is still 15m in height and the same thickness at ground level, with the same sized and quantity of equipment cabinets.
“I do believe there are many other places in Poole [where] this sort of development would be welcomed and embraced, more industrial areas where such structure could be incorporated into the design.”
The latest application has been submitted under ‘prior approval’, meaning it will be approved unless it can be proven there is genuine harm attached to installation. Devaluation of property and supposed health risks are not considered valid objections.
According to Three UK, the approval rate of 5G masts in the BCP region is three times less than the national average.
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