Burtonwood 5G Mast Rejected

Applications for a 20metre tall 5G mast in the middle of Burtonwood have been rejected by the local council.

12:04 21 September 2021

Plans to build a 20metre 5G mast submitted by Mobile Broadband Network Limited have been formally rejected by the local council. 

 

The proposals, which were heavily criticised by residents due to "inappropriate location" was not approved by the council because it would 'detract from the overall character and appearance' of the village. 

 

According to the application documents, Mobile Broadband Network Limited wanted to build the mast on Chapel Lane, opposite St Michael's Parish Hall and St Michael and All Angels Church. Warrington Borough Council's planning department says the plans will not be allowed to push through as the mast would 'detract from the overall character and appearance of the village. 

 

Meanwhile, planning documents say that the site was carefully selected to provide coverage to the area while 'minimising visual intrusion for residential properties.' 

 

“The monopole style design has been specified in order to allow the proposal to merge with the numerous street lighting columns distributed around the vicinity of the site,” they read.

 

“The public benefits of a greatly enhanced communications network for businesses, residents and visitors alike in this location would carry sufficient material weight to counter any perception of harm and any effect on the character of the area would be minimal.”

 

However, residents objected to the plans over fears of increased anti-social behaviour, the mast overlooking homes, radiation being emitted and its prominent location near a historic church. 

 

One resident said: “Our village is slowly but surely becoming a more aesthetically pleasing place to live.

 

“What we do not need is a 20metre high mast on the main road in the middle of Burtonwood.”