PLANS for a new 5G communications pole near an Edinburgh monument has generated controversy among local residents.
The proposal would see the 20-metre-high mast erected close to the Covenanter’s Monument outside of Dreghorn Barracks.
Situated on Redford Road, the application claims that the pole would be situated 60 metres away from the monument – although a photomontage provided seems to show much less distance between the two.
The applicant is WHP Telecoms, a telecommunication and fibre network firm based in Ely, Cambridgeshire.
A photomontage provided by the applicant shows the close distance between the mast and monument.
Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West, said in a social media post that “several residents have raised concerns” and fear that the mast “may detract” from the monument.
The Covenanters Monument, also known as the Colinton Column, was erected in the 19th century for the Covenanters who fell at the Battle of Rullion Green.
Built using a cluster of four engaged Roman Ionic columns, it commemorates four historical military campaigns that passed through the area, including the Romans, Cromwell in 1650, Covenanters in 1666 and Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.
The material used to construct the monument was previously part of the William Adam-designed Royal Infirmary building, which was demolished in 1866.
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