PLANS for a 30 metre tall 5G mast in Shipley, which would “rival Shipley Clock Tower” as one of the area’s tallest landmarks, have been refused by Bradford Council.
The proposals would have seen an existing 15 metre tall mast on Otley Road, which supports three antennae, replaced with a mast twice as tall, and supporting 12 antennae.
Planners said although phone masts are becoming a normal sight on the District’s streets, the sheer size of this planned mast would make it an “alien feature” in Shipley.
The existing mast is located between Formula One Autocentres and the former Laura Ashley store, and the proposal to replace it was submitted to the Council by Cellnex, which represents phone companies EE and H3G UK (Three).
Their proposal said the new mast would deliver vital 5G services in the town.
But planning officers have refused to allow the work to happen through “permitted development” – a scheme where certain work can be done without the need for a full planning application.
Council Conservation officer Simon Hinchcliffe said: “I consider the height of this pole with its array of antennas to be a visually overbearing detractor to the amenity of Shipley town Centre.”
Planning officers said: “The main area for concern is the visual impact of the mast given its sheer size. It is twice the height of the existing mast and considerably bulkier due to the significant increase in antennae, which have increased from three to 12 arranged in a substantially larger 'basket' formation. As a result, the monopole would appear as an over dominant and visually overbearing structure to the detriment of visual amenity and local character.
“As illustrated on the submitted drawings, the mast will be substantially taller than neighbouring buildings and would be one of the tallest structures in the local area, rivalling the notable local landmark, Shipley Clock Tower.
“Masts are not uncommon nor an unexpected feature of an urban environment, indeed, such infrastructure is becoming a common feature to many locations throughout the District and the nation more widely. However, most recent masts installed within in the District range between 15-20m in height. No substantive justification has been provided to demonstrate that a 30m high mast is essential here to replace the existing 15m high structure here.
“Given the excessive size of the monopole, it would appear as a striking and alien feature even in the context of this edge of town centre location, adjacent to a busy classified road.
“It would appear as an unwelcome and strident feature along a major traffic route. This harm is not outweighed by the public benefits.”
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