Millionaires in Sandbanks are furious over the ‘total ugliness’ 5G mast plans that put the area’s sky-high real estate values in jeopardy.
The two largest mobile phone providers in the UK, Three UK and EE, want to replace a 20-foot-tall 3G tower with a 60-foot-tall 5G construction.
Plans depict how the mast would overshadow upscale homes and businesses and rise above the street that borders Poole Harbour, Dorset.
The building will be constructed right across from a well-known restaurant’s outdoor dining area. Less than 7 feet would separate diners from the pole.
Residents of Sandbanks worry that the “hideous” mast would devalue the area’s homes, which can sell for up to £10 million.
There are also worries that wheelchairs and pushchairs won’t be able to pass easily since the base of the tower would obstruct so much pedestrian space.
Local citizens and business owners have expressed their opposition to the project in written letters.
Tracy Naden, a neighbour, said: “This is a complete blight to the scenery.”
“Due to the Koph Thai street eating area on the sidewalk, the space that will be left to safely walk through if the mast is installed is not exactly the 1.2m that is necessary.”
Mothers and children, particularly those using double strollers, will have to squeeze past the enormous 5G tower in order to go up and down Sandbanks Road.
I’m also worried that the massive 5G antenna outside my bedroom window will lower the value of my house.
“It is unsightly, it is enormous, it is directly outside a restaurant with outdoor dining, it will harm businesses and property values,” said Gary Robson, reinforcing this concern.
Philip Hilliar, a different local resident, stated: “This idea would do considerable damage.”
The planned mast’s size is enormous and wholly inappropriate for the neighbourhood.
“This neighbourhood ought to be safeguarded from this unsightly, big mast since it has gradually grown into a lovely, dynamic centre with a nice mix of stores and restaurants.”
The site had been “recognised as being important for EE Ltd business expansion and fits its unique technical and operational needs,” according to Three UK and EE’s proposal.
The criteria for the application were “Prior Approval.” This implies that if the application satisfies the development requirements, it will be accepted until it can be shown that the installation would really cause damage.
Property depreciation and alleged health hazards are not seen as legitimate grounds for opposition.