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11
Nov
Verdict issued on 5G mast in heart of Bilton
Plans to install a 20-metre, 5G telecommunications mast in the heart of Bilton have been rejected.
Virgin Media O2 applied to put up the mast at the junction of Bilton Lane and Woodfield Road, about 50 metres from Nidderdale Greenway.
The plans received 31 objections from members of the public and just one expression of support.
Bilton Conservation Group and Harrogate Town Council also objected, citing concerns that the structure would be visually intrusive and unsuitably located in a residential area.
The plans were also opposed by North Yorkshire Council’s aboricultural officer, who said it would damage “two establishing oak trees planted as part of a succession strategy after a mature oak was lost due to utility works”.
Nine antennas, two dishes and cabinets would have been installed to upgrade existing 3G coverage to 4G and 5G technologies.
According to planning documents, the location was selected as a contingency site in case a proposed upgrade of existing apparatus off Bilton Lane isn’t feasible. The documents added the replacement site must be within the same geographical area to ensure network coverage is improved, and 12 alternative sites were discounted.
But council case officer Melanie Saleem said the proposal would be “a highly visible incongruous feature”, “look out of character” and be “overbearing and overshadowing”.
She concluded:
The proposed siting and design of the proposed telecommunications equipment will cause an unacceptable level of impact on the character of the local landscape and residential amenity.
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