Netherton 5G Mast Could be Deferred

Three's application for a 20-metre pole in Netherton has been put on hold.

02:25 28 July 2020

Councillor Bryan Cotterill wants Three UK's application for a 5G tower to be put on hold until a public consultation can be held. Mr Cotterill, who serves the Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood ward, wants to give people living near the proposed site a chance to find out more and ask questions about the project. 

 

Mobile phone company Three UK has submitted its application to Dudley Council. On the application documents, the firm is proposing to build a 5G mast between Orchard Road and Saltwells Road as part of its 5G rollout. 

 

Councillor Cotterill said: "The proposal could be shelved until such time we can hold public meetings so people can see what it's all about and ask questions regarding the health concerns. At the moment, we can't have public meetings, so this does lack democracy." 

 

He added: "I don't know about a 5G phone mast look like but I know that area is normally used by children." 

 

Some residents living nearby the proposed sites have previously raised their concerns, with one saying: "The proposed site does not seem like a suitable place for the 20m pole and surrounding cabinets. The green space is well-used alongside the children's play area, especially by young people." 

 

Another resident said: "This is a bad place to put a mast right next to a children's play area and near houses." 

 

Meanwhile, Dudley highways chief said: "The mast is considered acceptable but it could be improved, therefore consideration of relocation is requested"