Express & Star

Joy as 5G mast plans for Walsall rejected

Delighted residents have successfully fought off plans to put up a huge 5G mast near their Willenhall homes.

Published
Resident Manoj Prakash and Councillor Diane Coughlan with other residents and a petition against a 5G mast in Clarkes Lane. PIC: Diane Coughlan

Walsall Council planners rejected a proposal by telecommunications firm Hutchison to build the 18 metre high monopole and equipment on land on Clarkes Lane.

When the application was submitted, residents living near the site were left worried about the impact the pole would have on their properties.

They were also furious as only six people living closest to the land were directly contacted by planners about the proposals.

A petition was set up and individual responses were also emailed to planning officers, while ward councillor Diane Coughlan also took up the case with the authority.

Hutchison, which has permitted development rights on the land, said the scheme was needed to improve 5G coverage and added this would not have a negative impact on the area.

But planning officers agreed with residents and refused the application due to the siting and appearance of the proposed development and the impact it would have on the street as well as properties in nearby Honeybourne Way, Little Island Drive and Glaisdale Grove.

Resident Gill Hatton said: “I’m over the moon. We are really pleased – it’s been a team effort putting the petition together and people sending emails to planners voicing their disapproval of it.

“So, as a community we are delighted it has gone in our favour. It’s just nice really to think we have been listened to and a sensible decision has been made by the council.

“It shows it is worth the fight and people shouldn’t just sit back when they see something that they know is wrong.

“There will be other people who will be in the same predicament so we hope it gives them the encouragement to stand up for their rights.

“We also hope it makes these companies think twice where they are trying to locate them and be more sensitive.”

Councillor Coughlan added: “I am pleased that I have been able to successfully support local residents and pleased that planning officers responded to resident’s concerns.

“Although I still have concerns about the wider Willenhall area as worried residents are contacting me about applications for these monopoles on residential estates.”

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