Approval for three new 5G masts in Walsall
Three new 5G masts will be erected in Walsall in a bid to boost network coverage across the borough.
Planners granted permission for the 20 metre columns to be sited in Lichfield Road in Willenhall, Collingwood Drive in Great Barr and one on land at the junction of Manor Road and Chester Road in Streetly.
A number of similar applications have been submitted by network provider Cornerstone over the past few weeks.
Earlier this month, the authority refused permission for a mast to be put up on land on Middle Piece Way in Willenhall due to highway safety concerns, nearby trees and fears it would not fit in with the existing street appearance.
But this current trio of proposals has been deemed acceptable by the authority’s planning officers.
Cornerstone said 5G will provide a huge boost to residents and business in the area.
Essential
The firm has also moved to allay concerns over the safety of the equipment and reassure people that there are no health risks associated with 5G.
These fears have come to the fore, most notably during the Covid-19 pandemic – with some people erroneously connecting the virus with 5G, resulting in masts being attacked and vandalised.
In their applications, Cornerstone have provided a number of documents addressing these worries.
In pre-consultation letters to MPs and councillors, the company said: "This proposed new site will enable 5G coverage to be provided to this area of Walsall.
"The Government recognises that widespread coverage of mobile connectivity is essential for people and businesses.
"5G service provision will bring faster, more responsive and reliable connections than ever before.
"More than any previous generation of mobile networks, it has the potential to improve the way people live, work and travel, and to deliver significant benefits to the economy and industry through the ability to connect more devices to the Internet at the same time."
