5G Rules Leave Spalding in Quandary

CK Hutchison fails with a series of applications for 5G masts in various locations across Spalding.

23:08 09 June 2022

CK Hutchison has failed to secure approvals for its various applications for 5G masts and associated cabinets in locations across Spalding. 

 

Questions were raised as to why the firm, which operates the Three Mobile phone network, did not choose more suitable locations that are away from residential sites to improve its chances of getting approvals. 

 

However, during talks with South Holland District Council, the firms said that it is forced to pick sites next to the highway. 

 

Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, who successfully opposed a third bid for a mast on the corner of Wygate Park and Claudette Way, explained the council’s surprise at the news. He said: “We were offering bits of South Holland District Council public open space and saying would you consider putting it there.

 

“They said sorry we are not allowed to go into places like that - it has to be on the highway - these are highway applications.”

 

He added: “We were completely dumbstruck by that simple bombshell that we were limited to being adjacent to the highway.”

 

A Three spokesman told the Spalding Guardian: “5G rollout is vital for residents and business of Spalding. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and a new site is required to deliver this improved service. Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and often this demand is in residential areas. We will work with the council to find a way forwards."