A NEW bid to build a smaller 5G mast in Castlepark has been lodged after plans were previously refused following complaints of a lack of consultation with residents.

The application from UK CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd (Three) network for a shorter 15m mast was validated last week after plans for an 18m mast was refused at the site near the area’s school and nursery.

However, due to its earmarked distance from the nearest houses, planners considered that a separate application for a mast in Littlestane Road site would be appropriate.

A Three spokesperson said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Castlepark. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.

“Masts needs to be situated where people will be using the service and, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.

"We carry out extensive searches and surveys to evaluate all the options. We then choose the option most likely to gain planning approval from the local council. This will include showing we have minimised the impact on residents and the locality.”

The plans in council documents state: “There is now a requirement to upgrade the UK CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd (Three) network to provide improved coverage and capacity, most notably in relation to 5G services.

“This proposal is for a 15.0m SW (Street Works) monopole located on the adopted highways at Castlepark Circle.

“As with all 5G cells this is an extremely constrained cell search area. Options are extremely limited and the only viable solution that minimises amenity issues has been put forward.

“This is equipment is considered unlikely to have any material impact on the local area but significant connectivity improvements which is a material consideration in the judgment of the site’s suitability. The cell search area was assessed at the Survey stage from a planning and residential amenity perspective. The planning constraints (where there are any) have shaped the location of the proposal. Figure 1-3 illustrates the site and the surrounding area.

“The proposed equipment has been strategically located on the grass verge at Castlepark Circle, there will be no impact to pedestrian flow or safety. The site benefits from some screening provided by the surrounding trees and shrubs and existing street furniture, particularly tall streetlights will enable the equipment to blend into the street scene.

“This application follows the recent refusal of application No N/21/00675/TN on 3rd August 2021. The reasons for refusal have been robustly addressed with a reduction in height from 18m to the minimum of 15m.”