Outraged residents have criticized a telecommunications provider after it installed a ‘ridiculous’ 40ft 5G mast obstructing shops right in the middle of the sidewalk.
Inhabitants of Marske-on-Sea, North Yorkshire, expressed their displeasure towards the company Three following the completion of what they termed an ‘eyesore’ mobile phone mast earlier this week.
They highlighted that the pole – equipped with a wiring unit approximately 4ft long – obstructed drivers’ views of the businesses located on Hummershill Lane.
Many described the choice to position the massive mast on a segment of the footpath as ‘appalling’ – questioning: ‘Who in their right mind thought that was an appropriate site?’
Redcar and Cleveland Borough councillor Tristan Learoyd stated that telecommunications companies are permitted to erect poles on public land without the necessity for planning approval.
However, he noted that these companies had leveraged this authority to prioritize profits over community interests while striving to extend their network coverage.
He remarked: ‘The current legislation promotes the placement of masts in these unreasonable locations, which is precisely what has occurred with this installation.
‘If they had simply relocated it 10m [33ft] in either direction, they could have situated it in a park area, thereby avoiding the footpath entirely.
‘Alternatively, there is an area that is predominantly just scrubland.
‘If they had chosen to install it on that private land, they would have needed to abide by a more thorough planning process and, moreover, they would have had to compensate the private owner for the use of that land.
‘They are maximizing their profits. It seems they have no regard for the public or the position of the masts.’
Tristan clarified that Three was allowed to install the mast due to its ‘permitted development rights’.
This provision enables telecommunications firms to construct or modify specific types of communication infrastructure on public property without needing to submit for standard planning approval.
It has been noted that a pre-application consultation was conducted by Three with the local ward councillors of the Redcar and Cleveland Council.
Additionally, the Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council was also consulted by the company and did not express any objections to the project.
Nonetheless, Tristan asserted that local authorities possess limited powers to obstruct the erection of these large masts on an ever-decreasing amount of publicly owned land.
He commented: ‘This leads to a scenario where, essentially, only the sidewalks remain accessible for mast companies to install their structures.
‘They consult their maps to determine where they can achieve optimal reception, and in this case, it was outside a pizza shop, obstructing its visibility.’
Tristan indicated that Soprano’s Pizzas, situated directly across from the newly installed mast, would likely face financial repercussions as it was now partially concealed from oncoming traffic.
He elaborated: ‘The negative impact on Soprano’s is significant because it diminishes the visibility of their establishment from the roadway.
‘A sizable wiring unit is now obstructing the entrance and stands about 1.2 meters tall.
‘So when individuals are in their vehicles driving by, they fail to see the shop. Consequently, it will have repercussions for them… If you are driving past now, you are prone to overlook it.’
A spokesperson for Three defended the mast’s placement, explaining that they must position masts in locations that would ‘provide the broadest coverage possible’.
They remarked: ‘The rollout of 5G is essential for the residents and businesses of Marske.
‘Our aim is to deliver a dependable network experience for the community, and this new site is crucial to achieving that goal.
‘While we strive to maintain the least intrusive mast sites, they must be located where users will need the service, and, in many instances, in precise spots to ensure the widest range of coverage.’
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