PLANS for a new 60ft 5G mast to be built near a church and other listed buildings have caused outcry in Highworth.

Neighbours wrote in several complaints about the proposal and the town’s council has agreed with them.

They strongly suggested that the mobile provider should look at other possible locations for the massive new addition to the local landscape.

Along with the mast on Lechlade Road, there would be a wraparound cabinet at base, three ancillary equipment cabinets and associated ancillary works.

A council meeting at the Northview Community Centre was well attended by members of the public who were concerned about the proposed structure.

Coun Keith Smith pointed out that it would sit next to a Grade 1-listed church of St Michael’s, a Grade 2-listed vicarage and a former police house which he argued was of historical interest despite not being listed. 

He joked: “I would be able to see [the mast] from my house, so perhaps I should declare an interest in this application.”

Coun Paul Newton-Smith replied: “I think we all would – 18 metres is a hell of a mast. 

“I’m not convinced that they looked at other sites and I think this was probably the cheapest option.I’m sure the same amount of coverage could be done with a few smaller masts in more stable locations.

“We should fight this until we get more information about it and what they might build alongside the mast. 

"We need to have a close look at what else could be done and where else it could go.”

The mast would provide a better infrastructure for wireless networks used by phones and other technology, with faster download speeds of at least 1GB per second, lower lag or buffering, and a greater capacity to cope with higher demand from many devices.

Looking to the future, the 5G network would connect new tech like connected cars, virtual or augmented reality apps, and smart devices installed in smart home furniture and appliances. 

The council and neighbours did not object to this in principle but were more wary about the practicality of having such as sizeable mast in this particular location.

Coun Smith added that, if any engineering work needed to be carried out on it, that could block a footpath and part of the busy A361 which would cause problems for motorists as well as pedestrians trying to cross the road.

Questions were raised about the ‘collapse radius’ of the mast and possible amount of radiation emanating from it.

Coun Smith added: “The lady in the vicarage says the drawings show trees in the garden that were removed in 2014 and is worried that the application is based on out-of-date information about the area.

“We need more information – and more accurate information – and the support of residents to say this is a mast in the wrong place. 

"We have got to have good reasons to make sure it’s stopped.”

Planning committee chair Coun Julie Murphy added: “It’s right on the edge of the conservation area as well. We strongly object and we have a good list of reasons why.”
CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd is submitting the application on behalf of Hutchison 3G UK Ltd.

A spokesman said: “The location has been identified as being necessary for H3G Ltd business development and meets its specific technical and operational requirements.”