Ashwell 5G Mast School Proximity Concerns

Plans to build an 18-metre tall 5G mast close to Ashwell Primary School have met numerous objections.

16:53 12 August 2021

Three UK's has formally filed an application to build an 18-metre tall mast at the junction of Ashwell Street and Bear Lane. The proposal has met numerous objections from residents concerned about road safety and health risks. 

 

In their application, Three said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Ashwell. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.

 

“Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage. We carry out extensive searches and surveys to evaluate all the options. We then choose the option most likely to gain planning approval from the local council. This will include showing we have minimised the impact on residents and the locality.

 

“The 5G rollout by all UK mobile network operators complies with all global standards on health and safety which have been developed since the early 1990s – you can see recent independent testing from Ofcom here and find more information via #5gcheckthefacts on social media.”

 

The application has met several objections from residents. 

 

Katie Cripps, of Bear Lane, said: "Not only will it be an ugly eyesore in our beautiful village, but it is right outside a school - a horrific thought when no one knows the long-term problems these will bring.

 

"It will also create a blind spot on the bend."

 

Dominic Murdin, of Ashwell's Chalk Bank Close, added: "Our house looks directly at this corner and every day we witness near-miss car accidents. Any more obstructions would make this corner a death trap.

 

"I am also extremely concerned about the health issues surrounding 5G masts. As a father, the only responsible action I could take to this installation would be to move."