Hundreds of people have signed petitions to stop a huge 5G mast being installed at a holiday park in west WalesRobert Harries Senior Reporter, Bruce Sinclair and Local Democracy Reporter
21:14, 08 Aug 2025Updated 21:29, 08 Aug 2025
New Quay is considered to be one of the most beautiful seaside towns in the whole of Wales(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
An appeal has been submitted against the rejection of proposals to install a 5G phone mast at one of Ceredigion’s biggest holiday parks. After withdrawing an earlier application, Freshwave Facilities Limited put forward revised plans last year to construct a mast and supporting antennae with a maximum height of 23.14 metres at Quay West Holiday Park in New Quay to enhance Vodafone coverage.
The initial proposals attracted numerous local objections, with one resident branding it a “gargantuan eyesore” that would affect a beloved nearby family residence. Following the withdrawal of that application on the caravan park’s perimeter after a refusal recommendation, the fresh application positioned the proposed mast nearer to the town centre, beside the main B4342 road, still within the holiday park boundaries.
Ceredigion planners received over 40 local objections, whilst the town council also voiced strong opposition, alongside two petitions – an online version gathering 160 responses and a paper petition with 380 signatures – both opposing the proposal. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
The town council’s objections centred on the mast’s proximity to neighbouring properties, its location within a special landscape area, and called for public consultation with residents.
It also argued the mast would primarily serve park visitors rather than local residents.
Agent Rapleys, in a supporting statement submitted to Ceredigion planners, had said the mast would both boost the signal in the caravan park and allow the continued provision of 4G mobile connections to the surrounding area, and also provide improved 5G services for Vodafone, introducing ultra-fast mobile connectivity.
Local residents raised numerous objections, citing concerns about harmful effects on the landscape and quality of life for occupiers through visual impact, being overbearing, overshadowing, and noise issues.
They argued it was unsuitable for a residential location and poorly positioned, clashing with the local character and creating an unsightly addition.
Further complaints included the lack of formal consultation by developers, potential health risks, and negative consequences for tourism.
Additional objections covered property values, loss of views, and financial gains for the landowner.
Ceredigion planners rejected the proposal, stating “it is considered that the development would fail to contribute positively to the context of its location, and would cause a significant visual intrusion, to the detriment of the character and appearance of the landscape, the special qualities of the Cardigan Bay Special Landscape Area and the amenity of nearby occupiers”.
Following this rejection, an appeal has been submitted to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
The appeal is currently in the preliminary ‘researching’ phase, as noted in an upcoming agenda for the Ceredigion County Council development management committee, which is set to meet on 13 August.