Mast plan rejected on appeal

PLANS for a 5G mast in Emmer Green have been turned down on appeal.

Three UK wanted to install a 15m high mast at the corner of the playing field at the junction of Grove Road and Kidmore End Road.

It appealed after Reading Borough Council turned down a planning application in October.

Now a planning inspector has rejected the appeal, saying the pole would be too visually intrusive, despite being slim.

He said: “The proposed development would be within an area that would be highly visible along this section of Kidmore End Road and Grove Road.

“The 15m height would be noticeably higher than the surrounding two-storey built form and significantly contrast with the open playing field and low-lying hedgerow boundary.

“Although finishing the pole and cabinets in a colour such as grey could provide some softening, it would not alter the fundamental issue of its scale, height and siting.”

A Three spokeswoman said: “We accept the inspector’s decision. We will look at the area again and work with the planning authority to try to find a site so we can roll out the UK’s fastest 5G network to the local community.”