A proposal to build a 5G mobile phone mast on public open space on James Green Road in Tile Hill has been rejected by Coventry City Council. The decision follows strong opposition from residents and councillors. The mast would have been substantial at a height of 20 metres, with large equipment cabinets required to support it.
The Council informed the applicants of their decision on Wednesday 20th March. Their conclusion was that this development would be “conspicuous, incongruous and visually discordant,”. They concluded it violated planning policies outlined in the Coventry Local Plan 2016 and the National Planning Policy Framework.
The Council cited the mast’s “excessive height” and “inappropriate scale” for the residential area as key reasons for refusal. Additionally, concerns were raised about the impact on the visual amenity of the public open space and its use for recreation. Planning officials also did not believe that the applicant had adequately demonstrated less harmful alternatives were not available.
The application is the latest in a series of proposed 5G masts across the Tile Hill area, most of which have also been rejected. This latest decision comes as a victory for residents who actively campaigned against the mast. Earlier this week Cllr Gary Ridley presented a petition on their behalf urging the Council to reject the plan.
Welcoming the decision, he said: “I’m grateful to the Council for their support on this matter. I recognise that 5G masts are being rolled out across the country, but this must be done sensitively and in partnership with the local community. The application at James Green Road would have been an imposition on a valuable community green space and the applicant failed to demonstrate the absence of less harmful alternative options. So, I share the relief of residents, and I hope these phone operators learn from the decision.”
The applicant can appeal the decision by lodging an appeal with the Secretary of State within six months of the Council’s decision
