Telecoms companies press ahead with mast plans

Mobile telecoms companies EE and Hurtchinson UK are continuing their plans to bring 5G to Hertford, lodging an appeal against the local council's refusal of planning permission for a 20m transmitter tower on Hertingfordbury Road, and submitting a new application for a tower in North Road.

A planning application to erect a 20m monopole on the corner of Hertingfordbury Road and Mangrove Road was turned down by East Herts District Council in February, citing the height and location of the mast.

The proposed mast, by reason of its inappropriate height and siting would be at odds with the built form in this setting. The high visibility of the mast in the public realm means that it would appear unduly dominant and overly prominent in the surrounding area. There would be an adverse impact upon the character and appearance of the site, the surrounding area and the approach to the town. Therefore, the proposal would be contrary to Sections 10 and 12 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021).

:: East Herts District Council

Hutchinson and EE have now lodged an appeal with the government's Planning Inspectorate in a bid to overturn the council's decision, saying: "It is accepted that the installation will be a new, tall feature within the streetscape of Hertingfordbury Road; however, it is proposed that this would not constitute unacceptable visual harm and is not overly at odds with the character and appearance of the street."

In a separate development, EE and Hutchinson have submitted a planning application for a similar mast in North Road, close to the entrance to Goldings. This would replace an existing 6.3m lamppost mast with a 17.5m mast and ancillary equipment.

Plans for 5G telecoms masts are running in to resistance across the country, due to their appearance and perceived health issues.

A spokesman for mobile operator Thee UK recently said: "Public Health England has clearly said that 5G does not represent an increase in any risk". PHE have said that "the overall exposure is expected to remain low relative to guidelines and, as such, there should be no consequences for public health". However, a review of research for the European Parliament recently called for a halt to the expansion of 5G, saying that no adequate studies are available on the impact of 5G.