Plans to erect 'eyesore' 5G phone mast in Garforth refused

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Proposals to erect an "eyesore" 15m high 5G mobile phone mast in Garforth have been refused by Leeds City Council planners after a string of objections.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd wanted to site the mast and cabinets on a grass verge at the junction of Fairburn Drive and Woodlands Drive next to East Garforth rail station.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Read More
Leeds bus and transport disruptions: Everything you need to know

Leeds City Council received 23 letters objecting to the proposed development and one supporting it.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd wanted to site the mast andcabinetson a grass vergeat the junction of Fairburn Drive and Woodlands Drive next to East Garforth rail station.
Image: GoogleCK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd wanted to site the mast andcabinetson a grass vergeat the junction of Fairburn Drive and Woodlands Drive next to East Garforth rail station.
Image: Google
CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd wanted to site the mast andcabinetson a grass vergeat the junction of Fairburn Drive and Woodlands Drive next to East Garforth rail station. Image: Google

A report to Leeds City Council states reasons for objections included "effect of 5G masts on people's health" and negative impact on house prices.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Another objection was summarised as: "Mast is huge and unsightly - an eyesore; towers over houses, trees, shrubs by some margin."

The council received one letter supporting the application, which was summarised as: "Great idea, great location - desperately need better signal strength. Not too near people’s houses and benefit those on the train."

A Leeds City Council refusal of development decision notice states: "The local planning authority consider that the proposed telecommunications equipment, by reason of its height, design and its position within openspace would represent an unduly prominent and incongruous feature within the streetview that would adversely impact on the visual amenities of the locality and the outlook of occupiers of nearby residential properties in particular."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

WH Telecoms Ltd of Guiseley submitted the development proposals on behalf of CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd.

The application stated: " The site is required to provide new 5G coverage for CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd in order to improve coverage in the Garforth area of Leeds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The cell search areas for 5G are extremely constrained with a typical cell radius of approximately 50m meaning that it would not be feasible to site the column outside of this locale."

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United. With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.