Granton 5G Mast Refusal

Edinburgh City Council rejects proposals to build a 5G mast on a site earmarked for a 'future tram stop'.

12:01 15 August 2022

The Edinburgh City Council has officially rejected Three's proposal to build a 20-metre 5G mast on a site that is earmarked for a 'future tram stop' following an appeal. 

 

Councillors refused the mobile network's permission because the pole would be in 'close proximity' to West Harbour Road, which is designated in the city's Local Development Plan. They added that the pole would "cause an obstruction and reduce the space available for walking and cycling" in the area. 

 

Cllr Neil Gardiner said: “The council’s transport service was consulted, they recommended that the application should be refused as it was within the limits of deviation of the future Edinburgh tram line. The limits of deviation are essentially the envelope in which the tram could be constructed.”

 

In a letter to the local authority, Three said that there is an "acute need" for the mast to "bring the benefits of 5G to the area." 

 

It added: “It is our opinion the local planning authority has not fully considered the significant efforts made to ensure the designs strike an appropriate balance between operational requirements, and the significant improvements enhanced 5G will bring.

 

“The apparatus will blend into the existing street scene and the overall proposal represents an appropriate balance between visual impact and operational requirements.

 

“At 20 metres, the pole is at the absolute minimum height which can be deployed. In addition, the pole and cabinets are to be coloured green to blend in with the adjacent parcel of grassland and trees within the wider area.”