Basingstoke and Three Work Together on 5G Mast Plan

Three to work with Basingstoke Council on 5G plans after gaining permission by default to install a 20m high phone mast.

08:11 04 November 2020

Mobile phone company Three has gained permission to install a 20m high phone mast in Basingstoke by default after the local council failed to make a decision on time. 

 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council intended to refuse the application because it would "cause an adverse impact on the character and visual amenity of the area." However, officers were a day too late in making the decision, refusing the application on day 57 rather than 56, giving Three consent by default. 

 

Executive director of residents’ services Rebecca Emmett said: “As a result of this, the council’s objection to the plans does not stand and the applicant has deemed consent to install the mast.

 

“As this land is owned by Hampshire County Council, as highway land, we are working closely with them to understand if there are any further measures that can be taken to prevent this development.

 

“We would like to apologise to residents affected by this error and reassure them that we have changed our internal processes to prevent this happening again.”

 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Three said: “Although we have a deemed consent regarding this application, we understand the local concern and so will be speaking with the council immediately to hopefully reach a resolution more acceptable to all.”