CAVERSHAM residents are preparing to campaign against plans to install a 5G phone mast in front of a playing field.
Reading Borough Council had refused Three permission for the telecommunications tower to be built in front of Emmer Green Playing Fields. The mobile phone company is now appealing.
Those affected say the mast is in an inappropriate location, and they have begun planting flowers such as lavenders and wildflowers to enhance biodiversity in the area.
One, who did not want to be named, said: “Emmer Green residents and local service businesses were aghast at the proposal to site the 15 metre tall 5G telecoms mast in the heart of the village, very close to two public houses, one with 16th century origins, nearby Victorian cottages and popular park.
“It is an area where people live and socialise; and children walk to school.”
They continued: “Historically, the Grove Road triangle was part of the current playing fields, common land, legally established in the 19th century as a recreational area for local people to enjoy.
“It was all one open area until the fence and hedge were put up in the mid-20th century.
“Following the Environment Act 2021, local environmentalists have been helping Reading Borough Council identify areas in the borough for biodiversity enhancement. Emmer Green playing fields are included in that.”
The area’s selection as a place for biodiversity enhancement has led neighbours to engage in hedge restoration and planting projects.
The resident, a woman from Emmer Green, said: “A volunteer-led hedge restoration programme was undertaken in 2021, with other initiatives to follow. The outside triangle, now included in those proposals, provides a sunny area with potential for concentrated pollen and nectar sources.
“With that in mind and the endorsement of the Council, volunteers have cleared the area, installed protective posts, planted lavender and bulbs, and sown wildflower seeds.
“Reading Borough Council rightly refused the application, and thanks to a dedicated and generous community effort, we now have the foundations of a biodiverse garden for the benefit of future generations.
“The siting of the mast would be most inappropriate here, and less conspicuous and less sensitive possibilities need to be investigated and discussed.”
Opponents of the mast met at the Black Horse Pub located immediately opposite the planned site to discuss their opposition to it.
A Three spokesperson said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Emmer Green.
“We want to offer the local area a great network experience and our planners determined that a new site was required to deliver it.
“An appeal to the Planning Inspectorate is part of the planning process. The Inspectorate will reach its independent view.”
The application can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning website, searching for application 220638. The appeal can be viewed by searching for APP/E0345/W/22/3303138 at the planning inspectorate website.
