New 5G mast is “a carbuncle” on village, say Cleckheaton councillor

Cleckheaton councillor John Lawson in front of the 20m-high 5G telecommunications mast that has been put up in Scholes village. (Image: J Lawson)

The 20m-high “slimline” mast, plus accompanying cabinets, has been installed on land at the corner of Westfield Lane and Foldings Avenue where the village Christmas tree is normally placed.

It will serve providers including Huawei.

Local councillors have described it as “a carbuncle” on the face of the village of Scholes.

“Local people are being shut out of important developments in their neighbourhood”, says Coun Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton).

“Planning changes are very important to people as they can change an area for ever. In a democracy people have a right for their voice to be heard.”

Alterations to planning law by the government means some developments no longer need planning permission.

Instead they are allowed under permitted development rights.

Among those that fall into the category are telecoms companies, which can construct new masts and cabinets without having to formally apply for planning permission.

Instead they must notify the Planning Authority – in this case Kirklees Council – that they wish to site a mast in a certain spot. That means for all practical purposes the local community cannot be involved in the way they would be for a normal planning application.

Among the objectors was the governing body at Scholes Village Primary School, which said the mast would “pollute the skyline” of the village.

In a letter Chair of Governors Colin Murray also wrote: “Although we accept that the current health concerns regarding 5G are largely unfounded and – in some cases – borne of conspiracy, we feel that some of the local residents will not share that understanding and in the current pandemic situation, Scholes Village will become the centre of unwanted attention by vandals and protestors.”

Coun John Lawson (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) described the mast and cabinets as “a carbuncle” and said: “I have been to the site and it does look intrusive – as if the company has not considered the village at all.

“The equipment has just been constructed higgledy-piggledy making it look an eyesore.

“We know that improved mobile connectivity is important and that telecoms infrastructure has to be built but, surely, this must not be at the expense of the appearance of the lovely Scholes village.”