EE branded 'aggressive' over new 5G mast plans in Bracknell

5G masts have been going up all over the country to provide faster internet connectivity from your mobile data when you’re out and about using your phone or other mobile device.

But neighbours in Harmans Water have expressed concern about mast plans at the playing fields in Calfridus Way.

EE submitted a plan to build a 25 metre mast which was refused by Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee in February, as it was judged that the mast would have a bad visual impact on the playing fields and a detrimental impact on the greenspace.

A plan for a smaller, 20 metre mast was approved on July 15 and preliminary installation works have already begun.

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EE has been accused of being ‘aggressive and unneighbourly’ as it has now lodged an appeal to get the bigger 25 metre mast built.

Councillor Chris Turrell (Conservative,  Harmans Water) said: “We note the appellant has already installed control boxes on a nearby site for which they have been given planning permission to put up a mast.

“We stand by the reasons for refusal of this application that we gave when it came to Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee.

“Additionally, we would point out that the Bracknell Town Neighbourhood Plan was passed at referendum on September 9, and will come into full legal force on October 19.

“Policy EV2 of the Plan designates the Calfridus Way playing field as a Local Green Space, along with other green spaces in Bracknell. This designation is not won lightly, as it is tested at examination of the Plan.

“The Calfridus Way field is well used by local residents, and The Wayz youth clubs, whose combined membership is over 100 young people, are based on the northern edge of the field.

“The proposal, with maintenance access over the field, would also compromise the sports pitches used by Bracknell Rugby Club among others. The appellant’s actions in pursuing this appeal are aggressive and unneighbourly.”

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EE has replied by stating that only one mast will be built, with the 20m mast application serving as a ‘backup’ while the company awaits the appeal decision.

Whichever mast that is built will provide EE customers with a new 4G service, and it will have 5G capabilities in the future.

A spokesperson for EE said: “We know how important it is for people to be connected and are in conversations with the Local Planning Authority regarding applications for a new mast to bring improved 4G services to the Bracknell area. We always seek to minimise visual impact when we’re looking to build new masts or upgrade equipment and strictly follow all planning procedures.”

The spokesperson also said that the mast which will eventually get built will help with 4G mobile network coverage for passengers on the Reading to Waterloo train line.

The approved site is located to the north west of the field, while the site that is subject to appeal is located to the south east of the field.

The location of the EE mast in Calfridus Way playing fields which is subject to appeal. Credit: Bracknell Forest Council

Cllr Turrell has encouraged people to make representations about the appeal by emailing east3@planninginspectorate.gov.uk by 4 November, quoting reference AOP/R0335/W/21//3275787.

The appeal will be heard by planning inspector Sophie Woodruff.

The location of the EE mast at the Calfridus Way playing fields which has been approved. Credit: Bracknell Forest Council

You can view plans for both the approved mast and the one subject to appeal by typing the references below into the council’s planning portal: https://planapp.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/online-applications/

Approved mast – 21/00545/RTD

Mast subject to appeal – 20/01061/RTD

Cllr Turrell is the leader of Bracknell Town Council and executive member for planning and transport on Bracknell Forest Council.