Planning permission granted for 5G mast in Maidenhall area of Luton

The 22.4m telecommunications mast will replace a 10cm smaller version outside 40A Thornhill Road, while six antennas will be installed.

Planning officers were told that a petition was being prepared against the scheme, but it never materialised.

Instead, there were just three objections from the 117 residents consulted, a meeting of the council’s development control committee heard.

“I listen to the science not the conspiracy theories,” said committee chairman, councillor Dave Taylor, after members approved the scheme.

Comments from resident William Johnson were read out, expressing concern that if a mast was put up with Huawei panels “it would need to be altered at a future date”.

Head of development management Sunny Sahadevan told the committee 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.”

Labour Dallow councillor Abbas Hussain said the main issue for residents was some vibration noise which the antennas emit.

Mr Sahadevan replied: “We’re not aware the proposed antenna equipment would cause any problems around vibration.”

Labour Northwell councillor Anne Donelon described the location as a "built-up area" and asked whether the scheme could be moved elsewhere.

But a report to the committee 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,” according to the report.

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

A statement from planning agent Steven Peck, on behalf of the applicant, said: “We wish to emphasize the social and economic benefits of this advanced high quality communications infrastructure.”

Conservative Bramingham councillor Gilbert Campbell said: “I’m very concerned about this 5G.

“This technology is something that has not been tested.

“The aim is to provide faster usage of mobile phones, but every time there’s an upgrade it can affect the human being.

“It’s planned to go to 6G and 7G. What’s going to happen then? I’m very sceptical about these masts.

“If we’re going to need more of them for it to function, why are we bothering when the masts don’t need to be that close together for 4G?”

Labour Farley councillor Dave Taylor, who chairs the committee, agreed, saying: “There are a lot of conspiracy theories going around about 5G.

“Nothing has been proven. I don’t have too many concerns either. I listen to the science not the conspiracy theories.

“It’s not exclusive to Huawei. It’s any company which wants to provide 5G.”

Labour Round Green councillor Mark Rivers said: “You’ll get a lot more radiation from the handheld mobile you’re holding right next to your head than you will from a mast some metres away from you.”

Councillors approved the replacement mast by six votes to five.