5G Mast Rejected Near Brighton School

Council rejects 5G phone mast application following objections from residents.

07:02 09 June 2020

Vodafone's application to put up a 20-metre on the corner of Ditching Road and Upper Hollingdean Road has been rejected by the local council. The decision follows objections from residents with some commenting that the mast would be "inappropriately tall". 

 

Meanwhile, Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas criticised the company for failing to carry out any public consultation before filing the application three days after the county went into lockdown. 

 

The Green MP said: "When local decisions are made, consideration should be given to what meaningful community has taken place." 

 

In a document, the council said: "The proposal is considered to cause some considerable harm to the visual amenity of the local street scene which is the setting for multiple heritage assets. 

 

"The mast would cause harm to the historical significance of the grade II listed Downs Junior School, the Preston Park conservation area and a locally listed tram shelter. 

 

"It would also dominate the dwelling house Hollingside and appear overbearing to residents therein. 

 

"The mast in particular would have a poor relationship with the character of the street scene and although the benefits of a 5G network are acknowledged, it is not considered that they would outweigh the harm that has been identified in this instance. 

 

"The placement of the mast and associated cabinet is also considered to contribute to a cluttered appearance on the footpath, with a high potential to impede pedestrian movement and increase safety risk in what is reportedly an area that sees a high level of footfall."