Residents of a “pleasant and attractive” West End street in Aberdeen are worried a “monstrosity” 55ft telecoms mast – taller than the city’s leopard sculpture – will dwarf their homes.
CK Hutchison Networks UK Ltd has submitted plans to install a 5G telecoms mast on behalf of mobile operator Three, opposite 17 Cromwell Road.
The Aberdeen street is considered a vital access route for visitors and residents and runs alongside the Harlaw playing fields.
Locals are concerned the 55ft telecom mast will have an impact on the quiet, tree-lined street, towering above their low-lying houses.
A number of residents have also complained they were not notified of the proposal, despite living on the street where it is proposed.
One objection letter read: “You must be joking. To even consider putting a mast on a grass verge is crazy. Right beside a playing field which is well used and has lots of kids.”
Other concerns branded the proposed mast as an “eyesore”, “unsightly” and a “monstrosity” while also raising health concerns.
The plans, formally submitted on December 15, have received 69 objections – including from the two community councils covering the area and a city councillor.
Aberdeen City Council says because it’s a telecommunications application the outcome will be determined by officers, despite the large number of objections.
‘Wrong place for phone mast of considerable scale’
Since it won’t be discussed by the council’s planning committee, councillor Martin Greig took the opportunity to share his views by lodging his objection to the plans.
He told The Press & Journal he believes the responses from locals will be useful in the council’s decision-making process.
Mr Greig said: “Cromwell Road is the wrong place for a phone mast of such considerable scale. This is a well-known access road in and out of the city and the environment of the area should be respected.
“The location is right next to the Harlaw playing field, and it is a pleasant and attractive location and the phone mast would be out of keeping and unwelcome.
“Many have raised concerns about health impacts from phone masts near places where young people are active and playing, so I think these are very valid concerns that need to be addressed in the process.”
‘We’ve all just got our fingers crossed’
Marc Langford, Ashley and Broomhill Community Council’s planning officer, spent time speaking to local residents and businesses to find out their opinions about the plans alongside Mr Greig.
“I think it’s really galvansied opinion,” he said.
“There’s a complete plethora of opinions in terms of why it shouldn’t be cited where it is. But, it’s a resounding no from business, from people living here, and the various groups using the playing field.”
Mr Langford pointed out there is already another mast at the top of Cromwell Road at the tennis courts, leaving many wondering if Three has done their due diligence when choosing the area for the mast.
Although the main concerns involve aesthetics and how the mast will be out of kilter with the surrounding area, Mr Langford explained some people are worried about radiation and road safety.
He said: “It’s also close to a zebra crossing, and we know that speeding down Cromwell Road is a huge issue as it is.
“So if you’ve got this great big 17-metre mast, that can potentially distract drivers just before hitting the zebra crossing that children use for school. We’ve all just got our fingers crossed.”
‘Site critical to mobile network’
Ashley and Broomhill community councillor Leila Turner-Smith agreed and said the mast is not fitting with the residential feel of the community.
She said: “It’s extremely close to housing and a 17-metre mast will not only dwarf the surrounding buildings but will potentially degrade the character and fabric of the surrounding homes which I find very unfair for residents in the area.
“I’m sure there are alternate locations that are more suitable that could be considered.”
Meanwhile, Three has stressed that “no harmful levels of radiation are emitted” from the 5G masts and an “extensive search” was undertaken before submitting the planning application.
A Three UK spokesman explained the 5G rollout is “vital” for residents and businesses of Aberdeen.
He said: “We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.
“Masts 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 carry out extensive searches and evaluate a wide range of options before submitting any planning applications.
“We are aware that there have been some concerns raised, however, from a health and safety perspective, 5G deployment is no different to any other mobile technology. All generations of mobile technology used by Three comply with guidelines to ensure that no harmful levels of radiation are emitted.”
Conversation