Neighbours and one of Reading’s MPs are celebrating the defeat of a plan to build a 5G mast that would dwarf nearby homes.
Hutchison, the company that owns the Three mobile network, applied to build a 5G mast and associated cabinets in Kidmore Road, Caversham.
The 15m had been described as looking like it came from HG Wells’ sci-fi novel The War of the Worlds. Earlier this month, the plan was rejected by the council’s planning department.
Labour MP for Reading East Matt Rodda joined with residents to celebrate the refusal.
As many as 197 neighbours objected to the plan, arguing that it looked ‘hideous’ and could prove dangerous for drivers by blocking their line of sight.
Mr Rodda said: “I am delighted that Reading Borough Council planning department has turned down the application for a very large telecoms mast at the junction of Kidmore Road and Charlotte Close as residents were concerned about this proposal.
“I wrote to the council to support the residents’ concerns and also to raise the additional issue of whether the proposed mast could have blocked sight lines at this junction.
“While residents want to see 5G rolled out it is important that masts are not in locations where they are eye sores or cause other problems.”
Reasons for refusal were listed by Reading Borough Council’s planning department, who argued its visual impact, affect on wildlife and the possibility for crashes would all be detrimental.
The plan was also opposed by Caversham Heights ward councillors from the Conservative party, Paul Carnell and Isobell Ballsdon.
Mr Rodda has pointed out that the application was part of a larger wave of plans for 5G masts throughout Reading and Woodley.
He’s argued the plans often involve “inappropriate siting” of tall masts in low rise areas, where they “dwarf” nearby buildings.
In some cases, the masts can be twice as high as the tallest buildings, with an average two-storey house being approximately six metres tall, and the smallest suburban lamp posts being five metres tall.
Mr Rodda also supported a successful campaign against a similar mast in Vauxhall Park, Woodley.
In response to the refusal of the mast in Caversham, a Three spokesperson said: “We want to offer the community in Caversham and Reading a reliable network experience.
“While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.
“We are considering the council’s reasons for refusal and assessing our options.”
The company has the option of appealing the decision to the Government planning inspectorate.
Three is currently investing heavily in Reading to enhance connectivity for consumers and businesses.
