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Apr 25, 2024

Dunfermline: Plans for 5G mast approved despite objections

PLANS for a 16 metres high mobile phone mast in Dunfermline have been approved – despite objections from neighbours. The pole is hoped to improve 3G, 4G and 5G coverage and will be installed at the

PLANS for a 16 metres high mobile phone mast in Dunfermline have been approved – despite objections from neighbours.

The pole is hoped to improve 3G, 4G and 5G coverage and will be installed at the corner of Garvock Bank and Garvock Hill, directly across the road from Touch Primary School.

The Press reported in June that one of the families who live nearby was concerned about "health risks" posed.

Stephen Brown lodged complaints to Fife Council on behalf of himself and his parents, whose home, he says, is just 25 metres from the site.

Speaking to the Press previously, he said not enough is known about the "radiation coming off these 5G masts" and that his biggest concern was primary school and nursery children walking past daily.

Cignal Infrastructure UK Limited, commonly known as Three, told Fife Council of plans to install telecommunications equipment earlier this year.

Formal planning approval is not required and the application for prior approval of the work has now been green lighted.

In his objection on behalf of his parents, Mr Brown said the phone mast would have "an unacceptable impact on the amenity of their house and impact not only on its current use but any potential future sale".

He added that have existing health issues and were very concerned that the "radiation from this installation" may exacerbate those issues.

As well as a 16m tall monopole, there will be six antennas, three equipment cabinets, a GPS module and ancillary development.

Cignal, which was formerly known as CK Hutchison Networks, said six other sites in Garvock had been considered and discounted and a site in the area was necessary to "fill the current hole in coverage".

An additional objection was lodged by Garvock Hill resident Graham Reid.

He said the mast would be a "dominant and visually intrusive structure" and "additional footway clutter would result in negative impacts on the pedestrian environment and consequently compromising safety in this extremely busy footpaths."

Fife Council case officer Jamie Ure recommended the application be approved unconditionally.

He said the proposed pole and cabinets were "suitably distanced" from the nearest residential property, approximately 25 metres away.

In regards to "health risks", Mr Ure said they could not be addressed through the planning system.

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