RESIDENTS campaigning against a phone mast that would the equivalent of four-storey building will next week find out if the developer’s appeal was successful.
Reading East MP Matt Rodda has been among those who had objected to the proposal to install the 20m high 5G mast on land next to Clayfield Copse in Caversham.
In January, CK Hutchinson Networks – the parent company of mobile phone firm 3 – applied to Reading Borough Council for permission for the mast. This was rejected in March, and the firm appealed in July.
Comments were open until last week, and a decision from the Planning Inspectorate is expected on Tuesday, August 29.
Mr Rodda wrote to the Inspectorate to share his concerns.
And those of residents, saying it would have a significant visual impact in a residential area, and would dwarf neighbouring properties that are just six metres tall, as opposed to the mast’s 20m.
He also pointed out the mast being next to recreation areas, the nature reserve and the Oxfordshire countryside.
“This area of natural beauty, and the footpaths and other public rights of way that traverse it, is invaluable to my constituents in Caversham, Emmer Green and in Reading’s built-up town centre,” he wrote.
“I believe that a 20-metre-high mast on the periphery of Clayfield Copse would have an extremely negative visual impact on the views to and from the Nature Reserve.”
His letter also highlighted a nearby oak tree of historic value and felt the mast would have an impact on it.
“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 eye sores for residents and I hope that this developer will consider alternative sites for this important infrastructure,” he added.
In a statement, he added: “Clayfield Copse was Reading’s first designated Nature Reserve and comprises areas of ancient woodland, hazel coppice, wildflower meadow. I believe that a 20-metre high mast on the edge of Clayfield Copse would have an extremely negative visual impact on the views to and from the Nature Reserve.”
Mr Rodda felt that more work needed to be done on other potential masts, to ensure they were sited in the best places, saying there had been a wave of “inappropriately sited” 5G mast applications in the Reading and Woodley area, often involving the siting of 15+ metre tall masts in low rise areas, where they tower over nearby buildings and beauty spots.
