MP fights plan for 20m mast near nature reserve

MATT RODDA has criticised plans for a 20m high 5G mast near a nature reserve in Emmer Green.

The Reading East MP says that while he supports the rollout of telecoms technology, he is opposed to the proposed location of the mast.

Three UK wants to erect the mast and cabinets on a grass verge near the junction of Caversham Park Road and Northbrook Road, near Clayfield Copse.

An application made by CK Hutchison Networks, which owns the mobile network Three UK, was rejected by Reading Borough Council earlier this year so the company appealed.

Now Mr Rodda has written an open letter to the Planning Inspectorate, which will consider the appeal.

He says the application is one of a series affecting the Reading and Woodley area which often involve the siting of masts at least 15m high in low-rise areas, where they would tower over nearby buildings and beauty spots. Mr Rodda says: “I would like to reiterate the concerns that I and many local residents have about the proposed mast, which would cause a significant visual impact in a residential area where the nearest building is only 6m tall.

“I also remain very concerned about the proposed site of this mast, which borders fields designated as recreational areas, Clayfield Copse and the Oxfordshire countryside beyond. Clayfield Copse is a designated nature reserve and comprises areas of ancient woodland, hazel coppice, wildflower meadow and also features a sculpture trail.

“This area of natural beauty, and the footpaths and other public rights of way that traverse it, is invaluable to my constituents in Caversham and Emmer Green and in Reading town centre.

“I believe that a 20m high mast on the periphery of Clayfield Copse would have an extremely negative visual impact on the views to and from the nature reserve. Furthermore, there is significant concern about the impact that it would have on a nearby oak tree that the borough council has identified as having historic value.

“While I support the rollout of 5G infrastructure, I would like to see more careful selection of sites for masts so that they avoid creating eyesores for residents. I hope that this developer will consider alternative sites for this important infrastructure.”

The council rejected the application on a number of grounds.

Planning officer Beatrice Malama said: “The proposed telecommunications mast and its associated cabinets by reason of scale, design and siting on a public open space, would disrupt and result in the loss of an area of open space, erode its quality and would adversely impact on public enjoyment of the public open space, contrary to the Reading borough local plan of 2019.

“The proposal, in the absence of arboricultural information, has failed to demonstrate lack of harm to an adjacent oak tree of high amenity and historic value. This includes harmful impact on the root protection area from excavation for the foundations of the proposed structures and any future pruning as required.

“The proposed development has failed to demonstrate that no preferable alternative sites are potentially available which would result in a development that would be less visually intrusive.”

Residents also criticised the mast’s proximity to Caversham Park Tennis Club and Caversham Park and St Martin’s primary schools.

Three UK has emphasised the need for high-speed mobile technology to keep people connected, particularly in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokeswoman said: “While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be located near to where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.”

A decision is due by next Tuesday.