Plan for a 30 metre high 5G tower in Shotton looks set to be rejected
Flintshire County Council’s Planning Committee has been advised to refuse a planning application for a telecommunications tower in Shotton, which aims to enhance 5G coverage in the area.
AP Wireless (APW) Limited plans to erect a 30-metre lattice tower on Bridge Street in Shotton on land near to the Groves Sports & Social Club.
The site already houses several telecommunications masts. The new tower proposal seeks to consolidate existing masts at the site.
5G is the newest form of wireless technology, succeeding 3G and 4G. While 3G introduced smartphones and 4G enabled faster internet browsing and video streaming, 5G offers even greater advancements.
It’s faster, can handle numerous devices in a small area, and responds more swiftly to commands. This is particularly beneficial for gamers, as it reduces delays in gameplay.
Beyond improving smartphones and gaming, 5G’s speed and capacity are opening doors to new and innovative services.
All major UK mobile networks offer 5G, and tech companies are releasing 5G-ready devices. However, in Deeside, signal coverage remains patchy, underscoring the need for the new tower to support 5G equipment.
A report for the upcoming planning commitee meeting highlights the visual impact of the proposed 30-metre tower.
It would be significantly taller than the existing masts and is considered to clash with the Flintshire Local Development Plan’s policies on telecommunications and local character.
The report indicates that without firm commitments from current operators at the site to use the new tower, additional masts could be added, worsening the visual impact.
The report notes that the council recognises the need to balance the advancement of telecommunications infrastructure, including 5G technology, with the impact on the local environment and community.
APW owns the land where the current and proposed masts are located, with companies using the three existing masts renting space from them.
Local planning guidelines recommend mast sharing, but there is no formal agreement yet for operators to move their equipment to the new 30-metre mast.
Concerns include the possibility of having four masts on site if the new mast is approved but the old ones are not removed.
During the planning application’s consultation phase, Shotton Town Council, Airbus, and environmental services raised no objections.
Neighbours also did not object, but a competing company expressed concerns about APW’s control over the existing infrastructure and the speculative nature of the application.
The report notes that the new mast, visible from nearby homes on Bridge Street, would be 7.5 metres taller than the tallest current mast and 25 metres taller than the nearby Sports and Social Club.
Its height could negatively impact the area’s appearance, whether alone or with existing masts.
Chief planning officer Andrew Farrow states, “Whilst mast sharing is encouraged in Technical Advice Note 19 – Telecommunications, it’s crucial to assess the realistic prospect and commitment to mast sharing, especially when existing telecommunication equipment is on site.”
“The application, at this stage, lacks firm commitment from existing or potential operators to use the proposed mast,” he adds. “This could lead to an excessive number of facilities at this location without assurance of their removal.”
“In light of this, and considering the 30m mast’s visual impact, whether alone or with existing masts, we recommend refusing planning permission.”
The plan will be discussed by the council’s planning committee at a meeting being held on November 22.
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