Controversial plans to build a 5G base station near a school have sparked a petition by 660 people over concerns for children’s safety.
John Eastwood, 64, from South Oxhey, is collecting signatures against plans to erect a 17.5metre high pole on Gosforth Lane, near St Joseph’s Primary School.
Launching the petition today (August 27), he said: “Not only is it unattractive and intimidating, but people are worried about their children.”
“Now that the signatures have been collected, all we can do is wait. It seems inevitable that these masts will be built, but we are slowing down our progress.”
John Eastwood is collecting signatures in opposition to the plans. (Image: Facebook/John Eastwood)
Documents submitted to Vodafone’s proposal highlight research showing “there are no risks” linked to mobile communications radio signals such as 5G.
The latest proposal, submitted on July 28, comes after earlier plans to build a 20-metre tower on Ainsdale Road were withdrawn after backlash last year. A second proposal, to move the tower 100 metres opposite the school – but still 50 metres from the playground – was rejected in March.
A further 19 objections have been filed online, with only one comment in support.
Vodafone said its latest plans, which are to improve local 4G and 5G coverage, are in the same locations as its second application. However, the height has been reduced to 17.5m.
A view of the proposed mast. (Image: Cornerstone)
A spokesman for Cornerstone, which submitted the plans on Vodafone’s behalf, said it was aware its plans could raise concerns in the local community, adding that it was “carefully” considering the location and design of any mobile infrastructure development.
Regarding the previous refusal over the height of the antenna, they said: “Having considered all options we have concluded that the proposed location remains the best option locally.”
“We have redesigned the proposed development with shorter poles to minimise the visual impact and are now awaiting a decision from the local town planning authority.”
Cornerstone said in documents accompanying its application that studies have found that mobile communications radio signals such as 5G pose “no danger” when used within guidelines.
Councillor Steve Cox said the proposed mast was unsightly and disproportionate. (Image: Senator Steve Cox)
South Oxhey councillor Steve Cox said local Labour councillors were “staunchly opposed” to the application, adding: “There are better locations to erect the mast and councillors should go and find them.”
“It’s in the wrong place, it’s ugly and it’s incongruous,” he added. “They need to go back and come up with a more out-of-the-way location.”
Application location Gosforth Lane. (Image: Google Maps/Canva)
