5G Mast to be Erected Next to Crossing in Cambridge

Cambridge City Council's decision to reject plans to build a 15m high 5G mast next to the Cambridge zebra crossing has been overturned.

12:46 07 July 2022

A 15metre high 5G will be built in Cambridge after the local council's decision to reject the proposals has been overturned. 

 

The monopole will be sited next to a zebra crossing in Cambridge despite protests from residents and concerns that it could harm pedestrians. 

 

CK Hutchison Networks submitted the application for the 5G mast last year and it was unanimously rejected by the Cambridge City Council Planning Committee. However, the applicant was successful in its appeal, with the planning inspectorate granting permission. 

 

The inspector said: “Motorists approaching the appeal site would have an appropriate forewarning of the presence of the pedestrian crossing. Furthermore, pedestrians waiting to cross the road would also be viewable to approaching motorists.

 

“In reaching this view I have had regard to the fact that the majority of approaching drivers would be near to the centre of the road. This means that they would have a substantial field of view. This would not be compromised by the proposed development.

 

“In result, motorists would be able to view pedestrians using or approaching the crossing. The relatively low speeds that approaching vehicles are likely to be travelling at means that motorists would have sufficient time to respond to the presence of pedestrians.

 

“In addition, there would be sufficient visibility for motorists to undertake avoiding action if required. This means that the development would not create conflict between pedestrians and moving vehicles.