Inspectorate dismisses an appeal from 3-UK to build a 5G mast in Sale

Great news for residents on Washway Road near Beechfield Close in Sale as an 18 metre 5G mast has been rejected by both the inspectorate and Trafford Council.

The appeal decision dated 16 December concluded that siting and appearance was the biggest problem as it would not be properly shielded by trees and would be significantly larger and bulky than anything else around it.

Inspector David Jones mentions in the appeal decision that the network did discount many sites where this mast could go but this was the only spot available that was of any use to them the network also told the inspectorate that they could not find any suitable mast sites to share, However Three did not offer any proof of this.

The vague information Three gave about the discounted sites was not helping their case and so the inspectorate went along with everything Trafford Council Planning said when they first refused the application on siting and appearance.

Interestingly we get to the part about health and the Inspectorate says that in the application came with it a certificate by the International Commission of Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) however the council questions whether the document is sufficient and provides the necessary confirmation.

In these circumstances, the framework advises that “Health safeguards are not something which a decision maker should determine.”

One person who on the application wanted the mast to be installed was mentioned in the report the inspector said: “Whilst I acknowledge the benefits improved coverage would bring to service users in the local area, these modest benefits would not outweigh the harm identified.”

We have checked every Three mast application that was approved by the council and all had the same or similar ICNIRP certificate and in many cases did not supply evidence of any discounted sites.

Trafford Planning also have approved 5G masts going purely on the NPPF yet the inspectorate says that no one should make any decision on Health safeguards, something obviously needs sorting out here!

Many of the masts are very close to schools and its a serious risk for these huge microwave poles to be installed so close to them with the new information from the inspectorate should help parents now to see this is not good and to tell the council to bring them all down with immediate effect.

With the Washway Road 5G mast gone forever this is a very timely present for those on and around one of the most polluted and dangerous roads in Trafford.

To read the entire appeal decision click here: https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?caseid=3299877