20 Metre High 5G Mast Planned Next to Chiswick Health Centre

Three want exemption from needing to submit planning application

Drawing from documents submitted to planning department

Telecommunications company Three is planning to build a 20 metre high 5G mast next to the Chiswick Health Centre on Dolman Road.

The mast which would be at the south east corner of the medical centre by the junction with Fishers Lane would be twice the height of a nearby tree.

They have made a request to Hounslow Council for prior approval for the mast arguing that expanding and promoting telecommunications networks is an objective of the National Planning Policy Framework and Council’s Local Plan Policies.

Pre-application discussions were held with the council’s planning department about the siting of the mast which led to the choice of location.

Site on Dolman Road where mast would be positioned

Three say the mast is necessary due to ‘acute capacity issues’ in the area and that and will facilitate significantly improved 5G in areas that have started to gain this service and newly introduce it to the areas that have not gained this level of connectivity yet.

Belmont Primary School was notified prior to submission.

The cell search areas for 5G are extremely constrained with a typical cell radius of approximately 250m which Three say means that the mast must be in this area. They did also consider two sites on South Parade, one near the junction with St. Alban’s Avenue. There were discounted due to proximity to a gas line, residential and listed buildings. A third site on Fishers Lane was ruled out for being too close to the train line.

If Three are successful in their application they would not have to submit a planning application and there would be no opportunity for residents to lodge any objections. Any objections based on perceived health risks would not be taken into consideration as that is not considered relevant for planning purposes.

When asked whether it was necessary to move forward with the project during the coronavirus lockdown, a Three UK spokesperson said: “Our number one priority is keeping the UK connected at this time. Adding additional capacity to our network will improve the experience across our entire network, which is why we are continuing with our 4G improvements and 5G rollout programme. We appreciate that we are all facing a difficult situation at the moment and we are happy to work with local authorities to find the best possible solution for everyone.”

May 13, 2020