Milton Keynes 5G Mast Site Moves

Application for a 22.5metre 5G mast in Waterside could be approved by Milton Keynes Council.

08:55 05 August 2020

An £8.7 million project led by Milton Keynes Council could see a 5G mast built near the car wash and Peartree Inn Bridge in Waterside despite growing opposition from residents and anti-5G campaigners. The mast is one of the seven structures needed by a consortium, which involves BT, Smart City, City Fibre and the Satellite Applications Catapult, to test the benefits that 5G technology can offer. The new mast plan is just 130m away from a previous application that was withdrawn in the face of opposition. 

 

Many residents have voiced their dismay over the proposal. One said: "The fact that this application is being pushed through during lockdown when people are not able to meet with neighbours to oppose this application is seriously wrong!

 

"Residents don't feel safe to visit the council offices to view the details, some elderly residents are not able to access the website to see details." 

 

Another resident added: "The height of the mast would be an eyesore when entering or leaving Peartree Bridge by this route." 

 

Beacon Comms, which has previously voiced out support of council's bid to build the masts, said that a comprehensive survey has been carried out and the site has been determined to be the best location for maximum coverage adding that the proposed mast is "similar in height to other 5G poles." 

 

It added that the 22.5m are the "minimum capable of providing the technological improvements sought whilst ensuring ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) compliance."