Neighbours have called a plan to install a 5G mast in Caversham a ‘rip off sequel’ to the ‘War of the Worlds’ mast proposal submitted earlier this year.
Back in July, the Three mobile network submitted a plan to install a 15-metre tall mast with 5G capabilities and ancillary cabinets on the pavement outside Glendale House in Kidmore Road.
The height of the mast led neighbour Paul Wigmore to comment that it looked like something from ‘The War of the Worlds’ novel by HG Wells, about a Martian invasion of Earth.
The plan proved unpopular, and was ultimately refused by Reading Borough Council’s planning department in August.
The submission of a new application for the mast has sparked anger and led neighbours to call it a ‘rip off sequel’.
READ MORE: Celebrations as 'The War of the Worlds' 5G mast plan is defeated
Mr Wigmore has accused Three of “trying it on again” and suggested that the company share existing 5G masts built by other companies to expand connectivity to its customers.
Additionally, Mike Abbott, who lives in Kidmore Road, suggested that Three could use micro cell installations on existing street lights and telegraph poles to provide coverage.
READ MORE: Emmer Green residents gear up for fight as Three mobile appeal 5G mast refusal
Fellow Kidmore Road resident Christopher Whittle said: “This application is totally unacceptable.
“This is a residential road with houses and families, where the applicant wants to place an industrial set of cabinets, with humming cooling fans, next to dwellings.
“The developer claims this is an urban area, which is completely wrong.
“The mast and boxes will be a blight and an eyesore that is unnecessarily being thrust upon us as we already have a good 5G reception area.”
Meanwhile, Ceri Burgess, who also lives in Kidmore Road, said: “This is a residential area with many families with children living directly under where the 5G mast would be. If this second application were to be approved.
“I am very concerned about the risks a 5G mast would bring to us and the wildlife and trees in the area.
“I think it’s outrageous that Reading Borough Council has even accepted another application that’s essentially identical to the first that was already rejected on good grounds.”
Like with the last application, Mr Wigmore has produced a CGI of what the mast could look like if built - seen in the main image of this article.
Three has argued that the new mast is required to provide a ‘reliable experience’ for customers.
A Three spokesperson said: “Three seeks to offer a reliable network experience to all users.
“To do this we do have to position our infrastructure where people use it.
“In order to provide this for Caversham, we need a new site.
“15m is the lowest height that we can use in this location, however we have endeavoured to improve the site by putting in a slimmer pole.”
The latest application was received in November, you can view it by typing reference 221729 into the council’s planning portal.
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