Public anger over Dartmoor phone mast

Hundreds objections have been made to a planning application for a twenty metre cellular mast.

The proposed site is on land close to Newbridge Hill, Poundsgate. The cellular tower would include three antennas, a pole mounted satellite dish, cabling and an access track.

The application was highlighted by local naturalist Nick Baker, who shared the application on social media. “Bloody madness. What’s this National Park for? Supposed to be preserving the cultural landscape and wildlife interest,” said Nick.

In an objection Emily Burville of Ashburton wrote: “This will be an eye sore and will destroy the look, feel and character of this particular part of Dartmoor. It is not a subtle structure that is being suggested, it will be very prominent.”

The plans have been submitted by the mobile network carrier EE and The Home Office and are likely to be part of the Government plans for ‘5G’ mobile internet.

The Government plans to offer full 5G coverage by 2027 and has committed over a billion pounds to rolling out superfast internet coverage nationwide.

Whilst the Government has considered the evidence, there are some concerns amongst the general public that 5G is not safe.

Robert Weil from Ogwell said: “If this mast is part of the 5G rollout then you must be made aware that an international body of over 100 scientists have warned of enormous risk to health from 5g.”

The public consultation ended on the 6th of March.