Wirral Approves Two 5G Masts

Two 5G masts, previously described as "unsightly" and harmful to the character of the area, approved by Wirral Council.

21:31 01 September 2020

Wirral Council has approved the installation of two 5G masts, one in Merseyside borough, after previously rejecting similar proposals because the masts were "unsightly" and harmful to the character of the area. 

 

Councillors have given the green signal to Mobile Broadband Network Limited to build a 20-metre mast at the junction of Penrith Street and Borough Road in Birkenhead and a 16-metre mast on Frankby Road in Greasby. The proposals, which were put forward by EE and Three UK, are hoped to bolster connectivity in the borough in the coming years. 

 

The council has previously rejected proposals for similar masts of the same height, describing them as "intrusive." They have also previously said that 5G mast should not be built in Birkenhead because it could harm the authority's regeneration plans for the town. 

 

The council's approval of two new masts shows that concerns over appearance can vary in significance from location to location. 

 

Last week, EE expressed dismay after the council has rejected its proposal to build a new 20-metre mast on Upton Road in Claughton. A spokesman said: "We're disappointed that the site's been rejected. 

 

"We also seek to minimise visual impact when we're looking to upgrade and build new masts, and the objections of a small minority often ignore the connectivity needs of a majority."