Two controversial 5G masts have been given the green light

Plans for a number of 5G masts across Wigan have been decided on by the council.

Five applications had been made by CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd for 5G masts in locations across the borough. The applications all stated that the new structures would help provide the latest high quality 3G and 4G service provision in these areas, alongside providing new 5G coverage.

However, out of the five only two have been approved, with one application withdrawn and the other two refused planning consent.

Join our WhatsAp p Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link

The two approved will now see the areas of Worsley Mesnes and North Atherton can now expect to see a 20m and a 17m slim-line monopole erected, respectively.

One of these will be on the grass verge, west of SCA Packaging Ltd on Warrington Road, where a 20m pole will be erected on what is one of the busiest roads in the borough. This is despite highways engineers lodging their objections to this proposal.

“An inappropriately parked maintenance vehicle at this location may cause visibility issues with surrounding junctions,” highways had said. “This raises concerns for highway safety of all road users.”

But the council decided that any potential harm caused by the scheme is “outweighed by the benefits which accrue from the provision of an updated 5G network”.

Another mast, reaching 17m in height, will be built on the grass verge at Spa Road and Hillside Avenue in Atherton.

Despite objections raised by Councillors Gerrard, Watson and Hodgkinson about the visual impact, potential health impacts and lack of need, plans were given the green light. It was viewed that planning policies and decisions should support the expansion of electronic communications