Calls for 5G masts to be designed like trees

There are calls for 5G towers to be designed like trees to prevent “ugly” masts from popping up all over Gloucester.

More and more planning applications for the new mobile masts are being submitted to Gloucester City Council and opposition councillors are concerned about their visual impact.

Plans for a 52ft mast in Hucclecote was turned down after planners said the location was inappropriate.

But with dozens more on their way across the county Liberal Democrat councillors want the city council to do more than the minimum recommended by the Government’s code of practice.

Councillor Sarah Sawyer (LD, Longlevens) says the masts can be disguised as trees and feels the council could be more proactive.

She asked council leaders to consider creating a design code for 5G masts to make them more attractive.

She said: “They are happy to allow these ugly towers to spring up all over Gloucester and spoil things. Once they are installed, the council has no power to deal with any issues that may arise.

“More and more 5G masts are being installed over Gloucester. They are very unsightly and residents have complained about this.”

Planning and housing strategy cabinet member Stephanie Chambers (C, Quedgeley Fieldcourt) said the council can only refuse proposals for these masts on siting and appearance grounds during the prior approval procedure.

She also explained why a design code would not be appropriate.

She said: “The scope of assessment in relation to siting and design is very narrow. By their nature telecom developments will all have certain characteristics given the functionality and purpose.

“In this context it is considered that the number of applications/proposals which would warrant an alternative approach beyond the industry standard is limited.

“On this basis it is considered that the preparation of a design code would not be appropriate given that it would relate to only a very small proportion of the applications for telecoms developments which the council receives.”

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk