5G mast approved on appeal

PLANS to install a 5G mast on a recreation ground in Henley have been approved by the planning inspectorate following an appeal.

Telent Technology Services, on behalf of EE, submitted an application to install a 20m high monopole in a corner of Makins recreation ground, off Greys Road in December last year.

The aim of the installation is to provide 5G mobile networks and improve high-speed wireless connectivity and the set-up will include six antennae, two dishes and four equipment cabinets.

The plans were refused by the district council, the planning authority, in February; however, the decision was appealed by Telent in March.

Residents raised concerns about the mast’s impact on surrounding properties and the recreational ground and claimed the company had not properly considered more suitable locations.

Planning inspector K Reeves said that whilst the appearance of the mast would cause “unacceptable harm” to its surroundings, this was outweighed by the predicted benefits.

In the decision notice, she wrote: “The siting and appearance of the proposed mast would give rise to unacceptable harm to the character and visual quality of the area.

“Nonetheless, in light of the absence of any more suitable alternative site within the required coverage zone, this harm is outweighed by the significant social and economic benefits associated with enhanced telecommunications provision.”

A full story will be published in the Henley Standard this week.