Proposed 20m mast rejected over 'visual clutter'

A proposed 20m (65.6ft) mobile phone mast has been refused, with planners saying it would bring "visual clutter in an otherwise open environment".

Plans including the pole, antennas, dishes and equipment cabinets had been put forward for Gamesfield Green in Merridale, Wolverhampton.

The site occupied a position in a mainly residential area characterised by open green space and the development would "appear unduly prominent", City of Wolverhampton Council said.

The applicant, Cornerstone, argued the "siting avoids direct views from residential properties" and was of a "minimalistic" design.

The authority, though, said the planned mast would be "readily visible" from residential properties on Gamesfield Green and although the proposal would improve reception, "this does not outweigh the material harm".

Cornerstone claimed a new site was necessary as an existing rooftop installation elsewhere could not be upgraded, with a structure not able to support enhanced 4G and 5G coverage.

It added no existing base stations in the area "would adequately serve the target coverage area".

Seventeen alternative site options had been discounted, the applicant's document said, and the impacts from the Gamesfield Green site would have been minimal.

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