New 5G mast narrowly approved in Luton AGAIN after e-petition forces new vote

The planning application returned to the local authority’s development control committee because an e-petition opposing it was unavailable at its previous meeting.

The 22.4m telecommunications mast will replace a 10cm smaller version outside Thornhill Road in Maidenhall, while six antennas will be installed.

Planning officers understood the e-petition was being prepared, but it never materialised in time for the August meeting.

Instead, there were three objections from the 117 residents consulted, councillors were told at the time.

Principal planning officer Mike Dunton said: “The second petition was an e-petition with 134 supporters when it was received by the council.

“The matters raised are largely similar to those in the first petition.

“An extended period of time was given to the first petition to enable its completion.

“It’s considered the second petition doesn’t present any new matters that would lead councillors not to reaffirm their original decision.”

Planning solicitor Steven Sparshott said: “There’s an extra material consideration, the petition, which is why it’s come back.

“Had the permission been granted without this being taken into account then it would have been open to challenge, so it’s only right this came back.

“It’s whether this petition adds anything different to change members’ opinions.”

Labour Northwell councillor Anne Donelon said: “I didn’t agree with it last time. I think it affects the street scene.”

Comments were received from three nearby neighbours who opposed the application, according to a report to the committee.

The original petition was collected from 58 residents and a local doctors’ surgery.

Objections included a lack of communication from the council because of the pandemic, the proximity of the mast to houses and anxiety because of the perceived health impact.

The report said: “Health concerns are dealt with by certification and aren’t an issue members can deal with.

“The second petition doesn’t acknowledge the proposed mast would replace the current one.”

Head of development management, Sunny Sahadevan, told the committee previously it could have been a delegated decision.

“Essentially, it’s almost the same mast, which will be used in connection with the upgrade to 5G technology,” he explained.

“The proposals are consistent with government guidance and our own adopted policies.”

A report to the committee in August said: “It’s considered an established and suitable location for a replacement telecommunications mast which would contribute to the economic benefits expected from 5G.

“Health is a common concern of residents living close to masts.

“Public Health England recognises that 5G may cause a small increase in radiation, but this will be low relative to guidelines.”

The vote to agree the development was split four-all, and it was approved on Labour Farley councillor Dave Taylor’s casting vote as committee chairman.