A GROUP of disgruntled residents is encouraging others to join them in objecting to the planned erection of an 18-metre 5G mast on Warwick Road in Basingstoke.

The application, submitted by CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd (Three) network, has already seen at least 16 public comments against the proposal on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s planning application database.

The plan is to erect a phase 8 monopole C/W wraparound cabinet at the base and associated ancillary works.

Commenting on the proposal, Mrs Sheila Appleton, who lives in the neighbourhood, said the proposed mast is unacceptable.

“Winklebury is built around green open spaces and trees to give pleasant outlooks for residents.

“This will be destroyed if proposed construction goes ahead. The site proposed is quite small bringing the construction within feet of several houses.

“This is unacceptable and I, therefore, object most strongly to proposal.”

Mrs Deborah Kemp, another resident, said she is also concerned about health hazards.

“Not only will it destroy the views, I have real concerns regarding what is being emitted from this tower/pole and how it will affect the health of the local residents that will live near it.

“Having read of masts causing a high rise in cancer patients within a mile proximity, I am amazed that this is even being considered being put in a housing estate.”

However, studies show that 5G should not cause more danger to health than other electromagnetic radiation humans are already exposed to on a daily basis.

The frequency range of the 5G signals being introduced is within the non-ionising band of the electromagnetic spectrum and well below those considered harmful by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.

Meanwhile, the government says "while a small increase in overall exposure to radio waves is possible when 5G is added to the existing network, the overall exposure is expected to remain low".

Mr Andrew Redman said the neighbours have not been contacted regarding the proposed mast.

“Why have the houses that this concerns not been contacted?

“I am objecting because I do not wish for a phone mast put at the back of my property, and neither do my neighbours.”

However, CK Hutchison Networks has maintained in the application that they have consulted the neighbours regarding the plan.

The application also says the apparatus is in full compliance with the requirements of the radio frequency (RF) public exposure guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

The application says: “The site selection process has also been influenced by the numerous vertical elements of street furniture distributed around the vicinity of the site including street lighting columns.

“The height of the pole has been kept down to the absolute minimum capable of providing the required essential new 5G coverage.

“The site has been selected on a wide adopted area of the highway in a position that will not impede pedestrian flow or the safety of passing motorists.”

You can view this planning application here.