People power helps block plans for giant telephone poles in Hartlepool streets

Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning department has refused proposals for numerous new telephone masts in the town after scores of complaints were received from concerned residents.

More than 20 objections were lodged against plans, submitted by Hutchison UK Ltd, for a 20metre telephone mast on the corner of Bamburgh Road and Clavering Road.

Concerns raised included “unsightly views” for residents, its proximity to nearby schools, along with the mast impeding on the available space on footpaths.

Over 20 residents raised concerns over plans for an 18metre-tall mast from the same applicant on the corner of Throston Grange Lane and Pembroke Grove.

Five objections were also lodged over plans for an 18metre mast adjacent to Wooler Road roundabout.

Similar applications were also submitted by Hutchison for 20metre masts on the corner of Mountbatten Road and Cleveland Road, and on land adjacent to the Training and Enterprise Centre in Lynn Street.

However council planning officers have refused all of the applications, in each case noting the location and appearance of the masts would have a negative impact on the area.

A report from senior council planning officer Laura Alderson, in concluding to refuse the proposals for the Throston Grange Lane site, said the development is “unacceptable” in the location for several reasons.

She said: “It is considered that the siting and appearance of the proposed development is unacceptable with respect to the impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area and to trees.

“The proposed development would result in an overbearing impact on the outlook from a number of neighbouring properties and their gardens.”

Planning documents submitted by WHP Telecoms Ltd, on behalf of the applicant, stated the proposals would have improved 5G mobile phone services in the area.

It said: “Three are in the process of building out the UK’s fastest 5G network.

“To bring this new technology to the people H3G (Three) will need to provide a mix of upgrades to existing sites and the building of new sites.

“In this area there is an acute need for a new mast to deliver the above.”

Objections to the Throston Grange Lane plans stated the mast would be an “eyesore” in the area, and similar concerns were lodged over the proposals for the site on the corner of Bamburgh Road and Clavering Road.

A Bellasis Grove resident said: “We do not want the aesthetics of the local area to be blighted with the introduction of a 20 metre eyesore so close to our home.

“There is potential for vandalism and antisocial behaviour that has already been apparent in other areas of the country by those who protest against the erection of 5G monopoles and associated equipment.”

Another resident on the street added: “The monopole is not in scale with the local buildings, making it visually intrusive and unacceptably prominent within the local area, overshadowing the natural features.”

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