Go-ahead for new 5G mast next to green belt land in Wolverhampton

The monopole mast, along with base cabinets and ancillary equipment, will be located on Linthouse Lane, Wednesfield, opposite its junction with Ridge Lane. The application has been made by Cornerstone, the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company which acquire, manage and own over 20,000 sites.

In a statement, planning officer Mr Jobe Elwell said: “The council, as the local planning authority, grant approval for the siting and appearance of the development proposed in accordance with the approved plans.

“The applicant has provided satisfactory evidence, demonstrating that alternative strategies, such as mast sharing, have been explored – concluding that the proposed site is the most viable location. The application also demonstrates that alternative locations have been considered and discounted, leaving the proposed site as the least harmful option available.

“Whilst neighbouring representations have raised concerns regarding the safety of the telecommunications equipment, the rollout of 5G radio technologies has been determined to be safe by the relevant authorities.

“Although the proposed mast and ancillary equipment cabinets will be visible from several nearby dwellings, there is a sufficient separation distance which acceptably mitigates the harm. Subsequently, the proposal would not result in detrimental harm to neighbouring amenities and thus would not justify a reason for refusal on this occasion,” he added.

“It is acknowledged that the proposed mast is sited against a natural backdrop of fields, and the addition of the mast would lessen its aesthetic value – to some extent harming the character of the street scene. However, the majority of public views of the open fields would remain unobstructed.

“In dealing with the application, the local planning authority has worked with the applicant in a positive, creative and proactive manner to secure a development that will improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.”

A statement from Perry Williams Limited, the agents acting on behalf of Cornerstone, said: “There is a specific requirement for a new installation at this location to provide 2G, 3G, 4G and new 5G coverage and capacity, ensuring that this area has access to the latest technologies. This follows the inability of the operator to upgrade the existing site it is currently utilising at the nearby junction of Linthouse Lane and Wood End Road, Wednesfield.

“The existing street pole is hosted by Vodafone and allows both Vodafone and VMO2 to provide 2G, 3G and 4G coverage to the area. In order to provide 5G to the area, separate antennas are required. A location was previously identified on Wood End Road, at the corner of Lower Prestwood Road opposite. An application for prior approval was progressed in March 2020, but was subsequently refused in July 2020. Further investigations have taken place and a new location has now been identified on the grass verge off Linthouse Lane, opposite the junction with Ridge Lane.”

A pre-application consultation was carried out with the ward councillors for Fallings Park – Cllrs Chris Burden, Steve Evans and Val Evans (Lab) – and MP for the area Jane Stevenson (Con).