Plans to build 18-metre high phone mast in North East Derbyshire town sparks criticism from residents

Phone company Three has lodged plans to install a 5G mast and supporting equipment on land located at the junction of Stone Road and Kiln Hill, in Coal Aston, Dronfield.

According to the application, submitted on behalf of CK Hutchison Networks UK Ltd, otherwise known as Three UK, the height of the 18-metre monopole “has been kept down to the absolute minimum capable of providing the required essential new 5G coverage.”

If approved, the mast would feature a wraparound cabinet at its base and a further three cabinets on the ground alongside.

The application, submitted to North East Derbyshire District Council, said the development will "facilitate significantly improved 5G in areas that have started to gain this service and newly introduce it to the areas that have not gained this level of connectivity yet.”

However, the plans have attracted criticism from those living nearby who say the mast would be an ‘eyesore’ in the conservation area of Coal Aston.

Resident Jonathan Harrison, whose house backs onto the proposed site, marked his formal objection to the plans.

In his objection, he wrote: “The plans make it look like the mast is in a completely inconspicuous place backed by a wall and trees.

"I realise the wall is high, however, our conifers that are currently sit on top of the wall level behind the proposed mast are old , hard to control and last year were mysteriously set on fire at one place and a section of these conifers have died... so within a year or two this apparent screening barrier of the mast will be removed, opening up the landscape.

“All the character of the original village farm buildings will then be blotted with an enormous modern monstrosity.”

Margit Young also issued a public comment in objection to the planning application.

She said: “I am very concerned about the location chosen.

"The village green is surrounded by old, some are over 300 years old, stone-built cottages and an 18m high monopole and cabinet with surrounding structural work would be a big eyesore slap bang in the middle of this historic heart of the village. It would tower over the greenery and the neighbouring houses.

She added: “The company wants to put up this high monopole in order to increase the speed of the Internet. I have lived in this area for over 20 years and I can assure you that we have no issues with internet connection and download speed, actually they are good indeed.”

CK Hutchison Networks UK Ltd said the site selection process has been “influenced by the numerous vertical elements of street furniture distributed around the vicinity of the site including street lighting columns.”

It added that the design of the proposed equipment “is considered to be the least visually intrusive option available.”

To view or comment on the planning application, visit the North East Derbyshire District Council planning portal and search reference 21/00934/TCN56.

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