PM Starmer quoted in plan for new 5G phone mast in residential area of Sutton

The 20-metre high, grey monopole mast is earmarked for a residential area in Hardwick Street, not far from two schools, Sutton Community Academy and Croft Primary.

It would feature six antennae, associated radio equipment and three equipment cabinets, all aimed at boosting 5G coverage for mobile phone signals and internet connections in the Sutton area.

In other parts of the country, they have been met with resistance from residents, who claim they are eyesores and could emit harmful radiation.

But the applicants, Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd, have pointed to a statement by the PM, which underlines how crucial such masts are in the government’s masterplan for economic growth.

Sir Keir says projects for new housing, schools and hospitals “need to be supported by good infrastructure”, which had proved difficult in the past to gain planning approval.

He says: “The time it takes to secure planning permission for major infrastructure projects has almost doubled in the past decade.

"Every road, pylon and mast, which connect people with opportunity, must jump through endless hoops, only to be opposed and dragged out before eventually, if lucky, they are approved.”

Sir Keir feels Labour’s “new golden era of building” means planning decisions on infrastructure, such as phone masts, must be fast-tracked.

Cornerstone, based in Berkshire, is the UK’s leading mobile infrastructure services company. It manages and owns more than 20,000 sites and “is committed to enabling the best mobile connectivity”.

It says: “We recognise that there has been concern about perceived health effects of siting masts close to local communities. Quite naturally, the public seeks reassurance that masts are not in any way harmful or dangerous.

"But we ensure that our radio base stations are designed and built so the public are not exposed to radio frequency fields above the guidelines set by an international commission and recognised by the World Health Organisation.”

Cornerstone stresses that it has already consulted with the two schools, local councillors and Ashfield MP Lee Anderson over this Sutton plan.

It adds: “As the way we use our phones and other technologies has changed over the past 30 years, where we locate masts is crucial.

"5G is the new generation of wireless technology that will deliver reliable and faster networks and provide enormous benefits for citizens, businesses and urban regions alike.”

For example, businesses and services, such as doctors’ surgeries, would be able to offer a faster and more cost-effective service. And socially, local people would be able to stay in touch with each other much more easily, boosting wellbeing.

In short, phone masts, also known as cell towers, are structures that transmit and receive radio signals, enabling mobile phone and other wireless communication.

They are essential for providing mobile coverage and ensuring reliable connections for phone calls, internet access and other data services.

Ashfield Council’s planning officers are currently considering the Sutton scheme and hope to make a decision or recommendation by Wednesday, October 1.

The details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/