The applications for more 5G phone masts to be installed seems to cause quite a stir among the community.

They are loathed by some and accepted by others as a necessity in the modern day world.  

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Here we look at some of the 5G phone mast applications in 2022.

Oxhey Road

In June, the application to place a 15-metre 5G mobile phone mast on a strip of grass in Oxhey Road was rejected by Watford Bourgh Council.

Watford Observer: The proposed location for the 5G towerThe proposed location for the 5G tower

The council said alternative sites had not been fully explored.

Two objections to the construction of the mast described it as “unsightly”, “a dreadful eyesore”, and one said that the existing area was “a small pretty green area”.

The mast was proposed by Three Mobile’s parent company CK Hutchinson’s Network and said it wanted to offer the area a “great network experience”.

A Three Mobile spokesperson added: “We will look at the council’s reason for refusal and consider our best way forwards.”

High Street, Bushey

Hertsmere Borough Council refused Three Mobile’s 5G mast application in October.

Watford Observer: A 5G mast was proposed to be built on/near the grassy area pictured at the junction of High Street and Bournehall Road in BusheyA 5G mast was proposed to be built on/near the grassy area pictured at the junction of High Street and Bournehall Road in Bushey (Image: Google Street View)

Three Mobile’s parent company CK Hutchinson’s Network applied to place the 15-metre mast on the corner of the High Street and Bournehall Road in Bushey.

Objections to the mast included its height, with one person describing it as “excessively tall and dominant”.

CK Hutchinson’s Network said the height had been kept to an “absolute minimum”.

Little Bushey Lane

Watford Observer: A 5G phone mast will be installed on the grass (pictured on the right) in Little Bushey Lane, Bushey Heath.A 5G phone mast will be installed on the grass (pictured on the right) in Little Bushey Lane, Bushey Heath. (Image: Google Street View)

CK Hutchinson’s Network, who owns Three Mobile, was given permission to install the 15-metre phone mast in Little Bushey Lane near the junction of Fuller Close in Bushey Heath.

Approval came in November following the rejection of a 20-metre phone mast in 2021.

Ascot Road

A 20-metre 5G mast was given approval in December.

Watford Observer: Ascot Road Ascot Road (Image: Google Street View)

It will be placed opposite the Sun Clock Tower.

The site was chosen due to “extremely limited” options with “the only viable solution that minimises amenity issues” having been put forward, according to CK Hutchison Networks, which owns Three Mobile.

The company says the mast will improve coverage and capacity on the network, particularly in relation to 5G services.

Cassiobury Park Tennis Club, The Gardens

Submitted by Three Mobile’s parent company CK Hutchinson’s Network, the 20-metre phone mast application was rejected in December.

Watford Observer: The pavement outside Cassiobury Park Tennis Club, the proposed location for the 5G poleThe pavement outside Cassiobury Park Tennis Club, the proposed location for the 5G pole (Image: Google Street View)

The proposal for the mast to stand outside the Cassiobury Park Tennis Club in The Gardens received 66 objections from members of the public, with one person claiming it would be a “tragic eyesore”.

Commenting on the refusal, a Three Mobile spokesperson said: "We will consider the reasons for refusal carefully and consider our options.”