Local Lib Dems calls on government to give local representatives and residents more say on the siting of 5G masts

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council passed a motion proposed by Cllr Michael Mullaney calling on the government to give for local Councils more say on the siting of 5G masts. It comes following some masts being sited in places that were controversial but where Councils have limited powers to stop the masts being put in inappropriate places.

Michael Mullaney in proposing the motion said “ This motion has been brought because members of the public and members of this authority have raised concerns about the siting of some 5g masts and the lack of powers that local planning authorities have over the siting of them.

“Now with so many people working from home and needing good mobile signals to function effectively in the modern world new masts are needed. However there are issues over the suitability over where they are placed and the lack of powers that members often have when faced with an application in a site that doesn’t seem suitable.

“In Hinckley there was a 5g mast placed on the corner of Drake Way and the Normandy Way which seemed a poor location for one given its proximity to the busy junction. I know concerns have also been raised about the recent sitting of a mast in Burbage near a local school.

“Whilst 5g masts are needed their locations does remain a contentious issue and thereforshould be one where local planning authorities, representatives and residents should have more say over their siting. I therefore put forward this motion that calls on the government to give planning authorities more say and 5g mast sites be subject to planning consent so that the right locations for the masts we need can be guided by people with knowledge of the local communities they represent.

“Masts are needed but big telecommunication companies should not be free to just site them anywhere ignoring local people. It’s important local representatives and local people have more influence over where the masts are sited.”

The motion which was passed by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council was:

Motion to be proposed by Councillor Michael Mullaney and seconded by Councillor Pete Stead-Davis

 “This Council notes that many people rely on good 5G mobile signal for access to services, work and leisure. However we note concern expressed by residents in a number of areas across the Borough including Burbage, Hinckley and elsewhere about the recent installations of new masts on County Council highway land within the Borough.

 The Council further notes that the last Conservative Government changed the rules that mean that these masts are now deemed permitted development and no longer require full planning consent.

 This Council resolves to:1.Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Deputy Prime Minister to request that these be once again subject to planning consent to allow local authorities to properly assess the proposals and consider if the sites are the most appropriate to balance the need for good 5G coverage and other material planning considerations such as impact on thestreetscene.2.Ask the Lead Member for Highways at Leicestershire County Council to consult the community and local councillors before undertaking any financial agreements with mobile operators for installing such masts on their land.”