Plans rejected for 5G mast that angered Burtonwood residents

The proposal was heavily criticised by 13 residents who submitted objections on grounds that the location was not appropriate.

Applicant Mobile Broadband Network Limited sought approval for the mast and street-level cabinet on Chapel Lane, opposite St Michael’s Parish Hall and St Michael and All Angels Church.

But this was turned down by Warrington Borough Council’s planning department as it would ‘detract from the overall character and appearance’ of the village.

According to planning documents, the site was carefully selected to provide coverage to the area while ‘minimising visual intrusion for residential properties’.

The plans sought to locate the mast opposite St Michael's Parish Hall (Image: Google Maps)

“The monopole style design has been specified in order to allow the proposal to merge with the numerous street lighting columns distributed around the vicinity of the site,” they read.

“The public benefits of a greatly enhanced communications network for businesses, residents and visitors alike in this location would carry sufficient material weight to counter any perception of harm and any effect on the character of the area would be minimal.”

But this was disputed by residents, who objected over fears of increased anti-social behaviour, the mast overlooking homes, radiation being emitted and its prominent location near a historic church.

One resident said: “Our village is slowly but surely becoming a more aesthetically pleasing place to live.

“What we do not need is a 20metre high mast on the main road in the middle of Burtonwood.”

The plans did receive two letters of support however, one of which read: “As someone who works from home in Burtonwood, this addition to the village would be greatly received to enable us to work a lot more safely and efficiently.

The plans sought to locate the mast opposite St Michael and All Angels Church (Image: Google Maps)

“It would also help my two boys to be able to carry out their online homework on their tablets and will mean their phone trackers can accurately update me on their location when playing around the village.”

Announcing their decision, the council said: “Prior approval is required and refused for the following reasons.

“The proposed communications equipment, by virtue of its prominent position within the street scene and its height and size, would detract from the overall character and appearance.

“Furthermore, the development would detract from the setting of the Grade II-listed church, which is significant in part due its aesthetic value and prominence within the street scene.

“The proposal would not improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area, nor does it comply with the development plan, and therefore does not comprise sustainable development.”