This morning I was taking a walk from Cromer along the main road to Overstrand, a village on the North Norfolk coast. Opposite the Belfry School, I spotted this newly-erected protest banner pinned to a fence. Adjacent, a Planning Notice pinned up by North Norfolk District Council advising of the intention of CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd to erect an 18 metre monopole 'with wrap-around cabinet at base and associated equipment cabinets.'
In other words, a 5G mast.
Beneath the protest banner is a printed copy of a news report from the Bath Echo, Fears for future of Keynsham School if 5G mast approved headed in handwriting with a note 'THIS IS COUNTRYWIDE!!' The article, from January this year, highlights the concerns of parents and local residents of Keynsham with regards to the plan to erect a 5G mast at the Broadlands Academy school. Many objections appear to have been made on health grounds, and parents have threatened to remove their children from the school if the plan is approved.
To the side of this is a note on how to go about objecting to the proposed Overstrand mast, which I've copied out below. At the time of writing, there are 57 objections and several comments (most of which are also objections). Many people raise the issues of the proposed mast's close proximity to the school, to a close-by conservation area, and to the unsuitability of the location at a busy junction. Also that such a structure would not be in keeping with the surrounding area. Suggestions have also been made by several people for alternative sites for the masts, and a couple raise issues of safety with one calling for a risk assessment to be made publicly available.
60 foot 5G mast
- Search NNDC Planning
- On the website page you need to register/login, this is required to be able to comment, easier said than done!
- Register
- Once registered a confirmation e-mail will be sent.
- On the link on the confirmation e-mail it will take you back to NNDC planning.
- Go to planning applications.
- Scroll down until you see highlighted in green 'go to application search' and click on this.
- Scroll down until you see 'enter key word' type PA/21/1760 and it will show you where you can make a comment etc and learn about the proposal.
As many people as possible need to do this individually as every individual objection counts as one vote! Thinking others will do it will result in insufficient numbers objecting and a mast being put up outside the school rather than at the edge of the village and so keeping us and the children all safe plus less of an eyesore for everyone.
Any questions please do not hesitate to call Chris 07977 476166
There is a meeting about this on Thursday 15th July at 7:30pm at the Parish Hall.
To the best of my knowledge, local residency is not a requirement for registering and lodging a comment or objection. While the views of residents directly impacted by the plan should be given greater consideration, it remains to be seen if the local planning department intends to take them into account at all.