Ewloe and Hawarden set for signal boost as 5G mast plans approved despite ‘strong objection’ from local councillor

Ewloe and Hawarden are set for a mobile phone signal boost, as plans have been approved for 5G mast on the Highway.

The installation of a 17.5m high 5G telecommunications mast outside the Co-op store in Ewloe is set to go ahead, despite ‘strong objection’ from a County Councillor.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, the company behind the new mast, has submitted the application.

This move follows several similar applications lodged by the company in Flintshire in recent months.

The proposal aims to enhance the area’s connectivity and facilitate the growth of 5G and provide the latest 3G, 4G technology.

It includes the installation of a slimline monopole, six antennas, a GPS module, and three associated equipment cabins on a grass verge fronting the Co-op store.

Flintshire Councillor Linda Thomas voiced strong objections to the proposal, concerned about the installation’s proximity to residences and a local church.

However, planning officer Barbara Kinnear highlighted in her report that the application’s purpose was to consider prior notification against the Permitted Development rights, not to debate the proposal’s merits.

The officer’s report states, “Concern has been raised with regard to the location of the telecommunications pole, associated ancillary equipment and cabinets to residential properties.”

It goes on to assure, “The application has been supported by full details of the case, with confirmation that health concerns are safeguarded by compliance with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).”

“The pole is not considered to have a significant detrimental impact on living conditions and amenity of the occupants of the properties due to its small scale and similarity to existing vertical emphasis street furniture such as telegraph poles and street lighting columns.”

Hawarden Community Council, Highways Development Control, Community & Business Protection, and Airbus raised no objections to the proposed installation.

Highways Development Control initially recommended a condition regarding visibility, but later withdrew their objection after a comprehensive review of the site layout plan.

They concluded that the proposed installation would not compromise highway safety or visibility.

The mast installation aligns with the Flintshire Local Development Plan and national planning policies, both advocating for the advancement of telecommunication infrastructures to boost connectivity.

The assessment also factored in the potential impact on the character and appearance of the area, a mixed commercial and residential locale.

“The installation of the telecom mast aligns with other vertical structures such as streetlights and telegraph poles and is not expected to significantly impact the visual amenity or character of the region,” states the planning officer’s report.