CAMPAIGNERS LOSE FIGHT OVER 5G MAST

PLANS to install a 5G telecoms mast on a recreation ground in Henley have been approved after all.

The planning inspectorate upheld an appeal by Telent Technology Services, on behalf of EE, to allow the 20m monopole to be sited in a corner of Makins, off Greys Road.

Inspector K Reeves accepted that while the appearance of the mast would cause “unacceptable harm” to its surroundings, this was outweighed by the benefits.

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

EE said the mast was needed to “address a gap in coverage and network capacity” and that its existing one on St Mary’s Church could not support the new equipment.

South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, turned down the plans in February saying the mast would be “visually intrusive”.

The inspector agreed but said there was not a more suitable alternative site in the area.

They said: “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.”

The inspector said that while other locations, such as Townlands Memorial Hospital, had been explored, these were ruled out for “clear and reasonable planning or technical reasons”.

Makins recreation ground is owned by Henley Town Council, which objected to the plans, but under permitted development rights, telecom operators have extensive authority to install certain types of equipment.

Residents raised concerns about the mast’s impact on surrounding properties and the recreation ground and raised issues of potential noise, health, wildlife impacts and property values. During consultation in January, more than 50 objections were received.

Charlotte Wolfe, of Gainsborough Hill, has previously spoken out against the plans and said that she was “beyond disappointed” by the decision.

She said: “I think it’s a tragedy that the inspector states that the damage will be unacceptable yet gives permission anyway.

“They say they’re satisfied with EE’s claim that the fire station is unsuitable but nowhere in EE’s appeal have they proved repairs cannot be done to the tower.

“Profit is being prized over people and the environment. My biggest fear is that by, allowing this development, in spite of the covenant that protects the rec, the doors will open in years to come for further building.”

Ms Wolfe, an English tutor, is part of a group of residents who have been trying to get the space registered as a town green to protect it from development.

She said she was hoping to take the planning inspectorate’s decision to the High Court, adding: “We need our green lungs and recreation spaces”.

Town councillor David Eggleton, who chairs the Gainsborough Residents Association, said: “We have spent £300,000 on a skate park, thousands on an exercise facility and the reason it’s up there is because of the views.

“It has panoramic views of Henley that are unobstructed and now it will get a monstrosity of a tower.”

A spokeswoman for Henley Town Council said that it was “disappointed” that the appeal has been allowed following “significant concerns raised by residents”.

She added: “Our role now is to ensure that residents’ concerns continue to be heard and that any installation is carried out with the least possible impact on the surrounding area.”

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