'Monster Mast' Proposed for North End Road
5G monopole opposite Clarence pub would be taller than nearby trees
Area of proposed 5G mast on North End Road. Picture: Google Streetview
An application has been made to Hammersmith and Fulham Council to place a 5G mast on North End Road opposite the Clarence pub. The 18 metre high monopole would considerably taller than the adjacent trees.
The mast would require the installation of eequipment cabinets at ground level within a fenced compound. The application is being made on behalf of the Three telecoms network.
The government have advised planning authorities that the scientific evidence does not give any indication of any extra health risk from 5G technology and therefore this would not be considered as valid grounds for an objection.
5G operates across multiple spectrums and therefore requires additional antennas and new equipment cabinets. The signals that are broadcast are more prone to the shadowing effect of adjacent buildings or structures, and also the effect of tree canopies reducing the broadcast range and effectiveness of the antennas. Consequently, the height of the 5G antennas needs to be raised meaning such high masts, dubbed ‘monster masts’ by objectors will become more common. The higher frequencies that 5G will use can provide more bandwidth and thus greater capacity but the signal will not travel as far as those of previous generations. This will mean that more of these masts will need to be built than were needed for previous generations of mobile technology.
The application reference is 2020/01963/TEL56 and any representations must be made by 2 September. You can make comments online,
August 7, 2020