OBJECTIONS have been raised over controversial plans to install a 5G mast in Vicars Cross.

Telecommunications giant Three UK is proposing to erect the 18m high structure on the pavement outside the United Reformed Church at the junction of Green Lane and Oldfield Drive.

In a planning application submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council on behalf of the company, it says there is an "acute need" for a new mast in the area.

It adds that other potential sites were assessed but that the proposed location was the "only viable solution".

However, the plans have been met with mounting opposition from within the community with dozens of objections being made in response to the planning application.

Great Boughton Parish Council "strongly object" to the proposal and claim the mast would be an "eyesore" in the "heart of Vicars Cross".

While it accepted that a mast may be necessary in the area, it says siting it in the proposed location outside the church building is "offensive and totally inappropriate".

The parish council added that it is "certain" that there are other more suitable sites nearby and would be in a position to potentially assist with finding a location.

A letter submitted on behalf of United Reformed Church in response to the application says the proposal would introduce an "alien structure which would detract from the clean and distinctive roofline of the church".

It adds that although masts are needed to support the "widespread and growing use of mobile phones" there are "less prominent" locations that would be more suitable.

The "inappropriate" choice of location, which is within 200m of Oldfield Primary School, was the main issued raised among the many objections registered online by residents in response to the plans.

However, not all were opposed to the application with one supporter saying the mast would result in better connectivity for those working from home and would help attract people to the area.

In the planning application submitted on behalf of Three UK, it states: "As with all 5G cells this is an extremely constrained cell search area. Options are extremely limited and the only viable solution that minimises amenity issues has been put forward.

"Three are in the process of building out the UK’s fastest 5G network. New sites will be needed for many reasons, including that the higher radio frequencies used for 5G do not travel as far as those frequencies currently in use and that sometimes not all existing sites can be upgraded.

"In this area there is an acute need for a new mast to deliver the above.

"The proposed site has been strategically situated so as to avoid as many constraints in this area as possible. It benefits from the presence of tall trees on the opposite site of the road which provide screening and prevent the proposed equipment from appearing incongruous in this area.

"Additionally, the proposed equipment is situated on the widest part of the pavement, this prevents obstructing pedestrian flow as well as preventing any visibility splay issues from the adjacent junction on Oldfield Drive."

  • The public has until April 28 to comment on the planning application.