Contentious proposals to install a new 23-metre tall 5G mast in Burnham-On-Sea have been approved by Somerset Council.
As Burnham-On-Sea.com reported here, Freshwave Facilities Ltd is seeking to install a monopole at Haven’s Burnham Holiday Village site in Marine Drive to boost mobile reception coverage in the area.
The firm says the pole itself would have a height of 22.5 metres, while six additional antennae apertures would reach a maximum height of 23.14m.
In an application to Somerset Council to determine whether approval is needed to install the mast, the company’s planning documents – which feature Vodafone branding – state that the project aims to resolve Burnham-On-Sea’s poor service coverage, caused by capacity issues.
Somerset Council has this week confirmed “Prior Approval of the Local Planning Authority is required and is hereby approved unconditionally. The development can therefore proceed in accordance with the details submitted with the application (and any supplemental details submitted and agreed) unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”
Consultation on the scheme saw mixed feedback with many residents opposing the plans.
One seafront resident welcomed the mast for helping “to boost communication for 99% of residents in the area,” adding: “Surely the benefits far outweigh the downside mentioned by objectors.”
Another nearby resident writes: “Mobile signal is bordering on the non-existent in this part of town so anything to improve it is welcome.”
But in a letter of objection to the council, another resident says: “The proposed mast will be obtrusive, ugly, and incongruous with the surrounding character and appearance.”
Freshwave Facilities Ltd said the aerial’s height is determined by 5G frequencies being particularly sensitive to solid objects such as trees and buildings.
