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Littlehampton 5G Mast Approved
5G mast to be installed at the junction of Hollyhock Way and Worthing Road despite concerns from locals and the town council.
12:21 15 September 2022
CK Hutchison Holdings' proposals to install a 5G mast on land at the junction of Hollyhock Way and Worthing Road have been granted by Arun District Council despite concerns from local residents and objections by Littlehampton Town Council.
The local authority's objection letter says that the location was 'inappropriate' and 'would be better located on the nearby industrial estates or park'. It added that the mast would have an 'adverse impact' on the views and amenities of nearby residents and users of the bus stop and highway.
However, the district council argued that there are 'no planning grounds to refuse the application.'
The decision report stated that: “The social and economic benefits of providing reliable and high quality mobile broadband connections, including 5G, support growth in productivity, efficiency and local business provision, across the whole economy.
"These benefits are strong material considerations which outweigh the objections raised."
CK Hutchison Holdings said: "Our reliance on internet and Wi-Fi connectivity is becoming more and more important as we expect to be always connected and this is reflected in national initiatives to provide full broadband and phone coverage, even in rural areas, and the development of ultrafast broadband and 5G.
“It is crucial that the council sees digital as much more than a technology, although technology that supports it is important, we need to fully embrace digital so that we can harvest the social and economic benefits it offers.”