Cheshire East Council have not objected to the construction of a new 5G telecommunications pole at Macclesfield's Sainsbury's.

The monopole will be shared shared between H3G LTE, EE and the emergency services network.

This is a replacement of the existing installation currently located on the former M&S Mill Street (for which the applicant has been served a notice to quit), despite initial reports a 5G mast would go there.

The 30-metre pole will be erected in the carpark. A Cheshire East Council planning officer describes the structure as "the least visually intrusive option available." They also claim it will not impact any nearby trees.

They went onto add "The proposed pole is a significant height and will protrude above the height of the existing tree cover. However, the pole will be sited in the far corner of the car park and will sit within the context of the surrounding supermarket building."

However, concerns have been raised by residents and bodies alike.

Macclesfield Town Council wrote" "We note it is very close to a children's play area and a café used by residents." A further note addressed under the Town Council's section also reads "DC3- fear of adverse health effects."

Five objections were received and published online as part of the application.

Their main concerns included:

· Safety of users of West Park and local residents

· Effect on the natural environment

· Trees and hedgerows will be destroyed

· Visually detrimental

· Location of tower is inappropriate next to so much residential development

· Tower would disturb the natural beauty of the surrounding area

· Environmental concerns

· Potential for noise pollution

· Impact on local wildlife

A resident of nearby Beech Farm Drive objected to the plans, which are likely to go ahead, with the following words: "How can it be be safe to locate the tower in this area, a residential area (with lots more people due to move into the area via Kings Quarter and McCarthy Stone developments), when it is not safe elsewhere?"

They went on to add with kids playing nearby that it is "deeply concerning when so little is known about the health effects posed by 5G radiation."

Theories about the health of 5G towers proliferated during the first COVID-19 lockdown, with phone masks across the UK being attacked throughout 2020.

The planning officer's response to the the health concerns were shared on a Council document reading: "With regard to any perceived health risks, the advice offered by the Government's advisors, the National Radiological Protection Board, is that 'the balance of evidence indicates that there is no general risk to the health of people living near base stations'. It is the Government's view that if a proposed development meets the ICNIRP guidelines it should not be necessary for a planning authority to consider health effects further".

The same objector also highlighted that an environmental study hadn't been conducted, with the planning officer refusing the need for one. However, another furious resident added: "Too many mature trees and hedgerows are being destroyed by developers in Macclesfield. It matters. Pretending to care by stating "only the necessary branches will be trimmed' doesn't wash anymore". 

The noise complaint was refuted by the CEC planner with "Residents are also concerned about the potential for noise to adversely affect the living conditions of nearby occupants, however, the nearest residents to the site are located on the opposite side of Cumberland Street, approximately 55m from the site. Cumberland Street is a well trafficked route and any noise generated would from the mast would be unlikely heard above vehicle noise and any plant located at the supermarket."

They also went on to claim that there won't be "any habitat loss and no trees [sic] felled".

The 5G mast has also been described as an 'eyesore', but is likely to go ahead this week, as the planning officer determined approval was not needed.

Read more on the Cheshire East Council website.

Sainsburys, EE and H3G LTE have been contacted for comment.

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