Refusal of Spalding 5G Masts

Councillors reject two applications for 5G masts on Claudette Avenue and Wygate Park.

04:45 19 April 2021

Applications to build 5G masts in Spalding have been rejected by councillors because they would be "unduly dominant, obtrusive and alien feature in the street scene." However, councillors have approved the 18m application at the Birch Grove and Matmore Gate junction because "they were far enough from homes and could be screened by nearby trees." 

 

The applications were put forward by Hutchinson UK Ltd, which is part of the Three network. 

 

Coun Paul Redgate said while discussing the first application: “Yes we’re a forward thinking council and yes to 5G for South Holland, but I think there’s a lack of information here and we’re talking about a technology company. We won’t be doing justice to our residents if we pass this.”

 

Meanwhile, Coun Lord Porter commented on the other application having been refused. He said: “Given this is now a ‘billy-no-mates’ mast. It’s probably premature to grant it (the second mast).

 

“There should be some strategic layout across the whole of Spalding where these masts will work and they’ll be able to provide a full service.

 

“On the basis that we’re just about to have  super fast broadband rolled out on the existing infrastructure in South Holland, I’d perhaps say that 5G masts are now premature and becoming obsolete before they come in place and if we are going to have 5G coverage it needs to predominantly be covered by areas that won’t be covered by superfast broadband.”