Thousands of local campaigners won a huge victory in 2022 to stop the mast from being built
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
A fresh battle looms after mobile phone giants EE and Three launched a new bid to build a large 5G mast in a South Bristol park – almost four years after similar plans were rejected.
Thousands of local campaigners won a huge victory in July 2022 when a proposed 24-metre communications tower at Redcatch Park in Knowle was scrapped
But now another planning application has been submitted to Bristol City Council asking for prior approval under permitted development rights for an 18-metre pole with antennae, transmission dishes and cabinet equipment at the same location.
M Group, on behalf of the applicants, say they have looked exhaustively for another location but have arrived at the same conclusion that Redcatch Park is the only feasible location to cover the area.
They say they have made a ‘sacrifice in coverage potential’ so a shorter mast could be installed.
The council refused prior approval in December 2021, ahead of the applicants withdrawing their application months later, because of concerns about ‘unjustified harm upon the character and appearance of Broad Walk and Redcatch Park Important Open Space’.
But in new planning documents, M Group said: “In the time since this decision, the operators have reviewed their development options and sought to identify a better siting and design solution.
“However, the same site selection conclusions have been reached, ie, that the proposed site represents the best available.
“However, in order to reduce the visual impact of a base station at this location the network planning team have agreed to accept a sacrifice in coverage potential so that a lesser mast height of 17.5m can be used.
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
“The proposed siting and design solution is the least harmful development option in the target area and the operational justification and many benefits associated with the provision of an effective network service will outweigh any harm caused.
“The proposed height at 18 metres is essential to ensure that the proposed optimum 4G and 5G services can transmit to the target coverage area without being impeded by clutter, specifically the nearby trees.
“The proposed mast height is 2m lower than the operators’ preferred 20m, which is considered the optimum height for addressing the operational brief.
“However, the reduced mast height has been considered necessary for planning purposes.
“It cannot be reduced further as this would prevent the base station from being able to fulfil the operational brief effectively.”
They said EE was the national emergency services network provider and that without the new pole, frontline staff would continue to experience poor network, dropped calls and buffering, hindering urgent responses.
M Group said: “There are no other existing telecommunications sites or buildings/other structures available for use that can fulfill the operational brief and provide a more acceptable planning solution.
“Equally there are no new ground-based development options that strike a more appropriate balance between operational and planning considerations.
“Any limited harm that may occur is considered to be acceptable and well outweighed by benefit and operational justification.
“The proposed development is essential infrastructure, replacing a lost base station site.
“The development will allow local residents, businesses and visitors, including emergency services operatives, to access the many social and economic benefits associated with modern communications network services.
“High quality and reliable communications infrastructure are essential for economic growth and social wellbeing and the demand for mobile data in the UK is increasing rapidly as households and businesses become increasingly reliant on mobile connectivity.”