Huge controversial 5G mast approved to be built in Sale

A huge 5G mast with 12 antennas has been approved by Trafford Planning on land on Fairly Lane in Sale. The mast is 25 metres high, which has concerned residents from Trafford and beyond.

At the site, as we publish this article, there are three masts close to each other; one of them is from Vodafone and the other two are from other mobile networks likely to be EE and Three. All are 15 meters high with three antennas. The replacement mast is 10 metres higher and has an extra three antennas and other equipment.

Cornerstone, who submitted an application in 2022 at the same site, originally had plans for a 20 metre mast with 18 antennas on it. This was refused in 2023 because it would ruin the green belt and would not improve the economic, social, and environmental conditions of the area.

This new application, which has now been approved at the same site, states that “it is considered that the siting and appearance of the proposal would not be overly prominent or dominant, taking into account the design and site context. It is considered that any visual harm from the proposed mast would be outweighed by the economic and social benefits associated with improved digital connectivity.”

“The proposal is considered to be acceptable in Green Belt terms, as well as being acceptable with reference to siting, appearance, residential amenity, ecology, and highways considerations.” It is a complete contradiction from the first reasons the council refused the mast, although it was smaller with 6 more antennas on it.

It was also noted that objections on the approved application were deleted from concerned landowners and residents.

The harm this mast will do to the immediate area and further out will be immense; 25 metres will be seen for miles around it, and having the extra antennas will increase capacity but will also increase the electromagnetic frequencies in the area.