Campaign to stop 15-metre 5G mast being built in Cippenham

A campaign is underway to block a towering 5G mast from being built in Cippenham.

Telecommunications firm CK Hutchison Networks is looking to build a 15-metre mast in Millstream Lane to help boost high-speed mobile connectivity.

But people living nearby fear the looming structure will be ‘totally out of keeping’ with the residential area and disturb wildlife, including ducks, which are often spotted.

They are also concerned over the long-term health effects of the 5G mast – though the mobile company says electromagnetic field emissions from 5G masts are well within international guidelines.

Julie Reid, who has lived in Millstream Lane for 22 years, said: “Everyone is absolutely 100 per cent against this.

“It just doesn’t fit in with the area as the road has got Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian properties down it.”

She added: “It’s also a major route for children to get to school.

“There’s a lot of concerns still out there that people need to look into the effects of 5G and not close their eyes to it.”

A petition signed by more than 150 residents has been submitted to Slough Borough Council opposing the plans.

They are hoping the council takes a similar approach to when it refused proposals for a 16-metre 5G mast in Shaggy Calf Lane last month.

The application is seeking prior approval from the council to build the mast, which effectively bypasses the full planning process if the council does not object.

But Julie told the Express residents would like to see the plans discussed by the council’s planning committee.

A spokesperson for Hutchison said: “5G roll-out is vital for residents and businesses of Cippenham. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and a new site will be critical to making that happen. Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage. We have used the latest, slimmest mast design to reduce the visual impact.

“We are aware there have been some concerns raised. However, from a health and safety perspective, 5G deployment is no different to any other mobile technology.

“All generations of mobile technology used by us comply with guidelines to ensure that no harmful levels of radiation are emitted. As a responsible company, we take our obligation to run a safe network very seriously and actively work to ensure our network remains compliant with international guidelines.”

Visit www.sbcplanning.co.uk and search X/00225/000 to view the plans.