Plans for EE mast in Frieth deferred over ‘alternative sites’ pressure

EE (UK) Limited hopes to erect a 17.5-metre-high telecoms mast on land north of Bushes Wood and east of Parmoor Lane, in Frieth.

PICTURED: EE visualisations of what the new mast might look like 

But planning committee members have challenged the service provider on possible alternative sites and the merits of a consultation with local authorities.

READ MORE: ‘Furore’ over new telecoms tower locals fear will be ‘visually intrusive’

The mast will be part of the Home Office-led Emergency Services Network (ESN) to address “gaps in network coverage”.

These are critical communications systems for police, fire and rescue, ambulance services and a range of other users from local authorities to utility services.

It will be mounted on a concrete base within a fenced compound.

PICTURED: EE visualisations of what the new mast might look like

It will have two satellite dishes and antennas at the top will be hidden by a “shroud”. There will also be a ground-mounted dish at the bottom.

Ancillary equipment cabinets and a back-up power generator are also planned.

READ MORE: ‘Rundown eyesore’ to be bulldozed for new build - despite ‘privacy’ worries

Cllr Chris Whitehead said Hambleden Parish Council and locals feel the mast “would be visually intrusive on the landscape”.

He also previously said had a public consultation been held “interested parties would have been able to help identify potential sites”.

“We are deferring [a decision] so that the applicant can show consideration of alternative sites they had looked at,” said principal development management officer, Jenny Ion.

“And consultation with the parish council and the ward member,” added Cllr Julia Adey.

We’ve launched a new Facebook group for local news junkies, politics fans and everyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting Frieth. Please join the conversation over at Buckinghamshire Politics