Plans lodged for 65ft tall 5G mast

Plans have been submitted for a 65ft (20m) tall 5G mast in York.

If approved, the monopole would be installed on Hospital Fields Road, off Fulford Road, and support nine antennas.

Telecommunications company Cornerstone said the proposed mast would help extend 5G coverage and provide a range of social and economic benefits to the area.

They added there was no evidence that radio waves from 5G were harmful to people's health.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the mast would be installed along with three equipment cabinets and six remote radio units.

Company plans stated the proposed mast and location were deemed to be the most suitable option for the installation, balancing operational needs with local planning polices.

They said benefits of 5G coverage included helping hospitality businesses and GP surgeries with bookings, ensuring people can contact the emergency services and providing constant access to online services.

The application comes after plans for a 57ft (17.5m) tall mast in Bishopthorpe were refused earlier in April.

Cornerstone said in those plans, the mast on Beech Grove and Maple Grove had been needed to help meet demand and improve quality for services.

They added areas already underserved by telecommunications infrastructure were at risk of becoming digital black spots.

However, 36 people objected to the plans, including Bishopthorpe Parish Council, claiming it would make the village unecessarily cluttered and lead to noise and health concerns.

Council planning officers ruled the mast would be visually intrusive, causing significant harm to the character of the surrounding area.

City of York Council planners are still considering the Hospital Fields Road application.

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