September 10th 2024.
In the quaint village of Marske-on-Sea, North Yorkshire, the residents were left fuming over a recent addition to their streets - a towering 40ft 5G mast. The villagers were outraged at the telecoms company, Three, for placing the unsightly mast in the middle of the pavement, blocking the view of nearby shops. This caused a stir among the locals who deemed the decision as "absurd" and a hindrance to the community.
The construction of the mast, which took place earlier this week, sparked a wave of complaints from the residents of Hummershill Lane. They were appalled by the unsightly pole and its accompanying 4ft long wiring unit, which obstructed the view of local businesses. Some even went as far as calling the placement "atrocious" and questioned the reasoning behind it. "Who on earth thought that was the right location?" they asked.
Councillor Tristan Learoyd of Redcar and Cleveland Borough explained that telecoms companies have the right to place masts on public land without seeking planning permission. However, he pointed out that in doing so, these companies prioritize their profits over the well-being of the community. He stated that the legislation allows for such absurd placements and that the mast could have easily been situated in a park area or a patch of land owned by a private owner. But because it was easier and more cost-effective for the company to install it on the pavement, they went ahead with it, disregarding the impact it would have on the community.
Tristan further explained that Three had obtained "permitted development rights" to erect the mast, which essentially allows them to build or alter certain types of communications infrastructure on public land without formal planning permission. The company had also consulted with local ward councillors and the Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, who did not object to the proposal. However, Tristan stressed that the limited powers of local officials make it challenging to prevent such masts from being placed on publicly owned land, leaving only pavements as viable options.
The consequences of the mast's placement were evident as it partially blocked the view of Soprano's Pizzas, a local business situated just opposite the mast. Tristan predicted that this would have a negative impact on the shop's visibility and potentially affect their sales. He also pointed out that the wiring unit in front of the property, measuring 1m 20cm tall, would make it difficult for passing drivers to spot the shop, resulting in potential losses for the business.
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson from Three defended the mast's placement, stating that it was necessary to ensure the widest coverage for their 5G network. They acknowledged that while they try to minimize the visual impact of their masts, they must be placed in areas where the service will be utilized effectively. Ultimately, the company's goal is to provide a reliable network experience for the residents and businesses of Marske.
The clash between the villagers and the telecoms company highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the placement of 5G masts in communities. While the need for faster and more reliable networks is undeniable, the impact on the community and the environment must also be taken into account. It is a delicate balance that requires careful consideration and collaboration between all parties involved.
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