Plans to install a huge 5G mast near a primary school in Harrow have been rejected following dozens of objections by horrified neighbours.
CK Hutchinson Networks UK Ltd wanted to put the 20-metre-high street pole on Albury Drive – a mostly residential area in Pinner.
The plans faced a backlash from neighbours, with 72 objecting against the application.
Residents raised fears about the impact the “ugly eyesore” would have on the area.
They raised concerns about its location, size, and proximity to the nearby Pinner Wood Primary School.
The proposed site for a 5g mast at Albury Drive, Pinner. (Image: Street View)
One objector, Susan Best, said the plan to install the mast in the area was “unthinkable”.
She added: “I am actually appalled and rather disappointed that this protected and naturally beautiful area could be spoilt by a modern ugly eyesore.”
Applicants CK Hutchinson Networks claim there is an “acute need” for the mast in order to provide “effective service coverage” to the area and the planned mast was the “minimum required” to bring the benefits of 5G.
The telecommunications company suggested the Albury Drive location meant the mast would “assimilate well” and “not be detrimental”.
But residents disagreed. Sinead McFarlane, who lives in close proximity to the planned site, said she was “deeply disturbed” to not have been notified about the proposal ahead of time.
READ MORE:
She added that she was “horrified to hear that this is to be installed in front of my house within a conservation area”.
Resident Anne-Marie Larman said it would be an “eyesore and an ugly intrusive feature on the skyline”.
She added: “I am very concerned with the potential negative impact to the health of residents and the nearby primary school children.”
Harrow Council’s planning officer rejected the plan, suggesting the pole’s “siting, excessive height and prominent location would be visually obtrusive” to the local street scene, as well as being “to the detriment of the character and appearance” of the Pinnerwood Park Conservation Area and the designated open space.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here