Birkenhead 5G Mast Plan Rejected

Wirral Council rejects plans for a 20-metre tall 5G mast over fears it would harm a local regeneration effort.

13:11 01 June 2020

Plans to build a 20-metre tall 5G mast just off Conway Street has been rejected by Wirral Council. The local's authority's letter of rejection explains that the "proposed mast and associated equipment will appear as unsightly features in a prominent location" and "would undermine the significantly advanced regeneration plans" for the surrounding areas. 

 

Three, the company behind the application, said that the proposed mast is needed to improve 5G connectivity in the area. Three's planning documents state: "Mobile phone base stations operate on a low power and accordingly base stations, therefore, need to be located in areas they required to serve. 

 

"Increasingly, people are also using their mobiles in their homes and this means we need to position base stations in, or close to, residential areas." 

 

"The proposed works on this existing site would qualify as a visual change to the area, but are necessary to ensure improved delivery of service and would respect and continue to maintain the appearance of the area." 

 

A spokesman for the company added: "5G rollout is vital for residents and business of Wirral. 

 

"We want to offer the local area a great network experience and our planners determined that a new site was required to deliver it. We will work with the council to find ways forwards."