Norwich: Wilberforce Road 5G mast planning application made

The new 20m pole would be built in Wilberforce Road in the West Earlham area of the city.

Plans would see more people able to pick up faster internet speeds around the city's western outskirts.

It comes after plans were put to Norwich City Council by CK Hutchison Networks to build the mast with accompanying equipment cabinets.

Labour county councillor for the area, Mike Sands said he found the location of the mast "bizarre".

He said: "As I understand it, when it comes to the placement of communications towers like this for 5G the government changed the legislation so that essentially they can place them where they want. 

"I cannot understand the planning logic behind this choice of location.

"Why not Cringleford which is at least pretty well adjacent to the A47?"

In the company's planning statement it said the design would fit with the street.

The statement read: "It is our opinion that the proposed design presents a better fit within the local community and immediate streetscape.

"There is an acute need for a new base station to provide effective service coverage and in this case, the height of the proposed street pole is the minimum required to bring the benefits of 5G to this area."

An accompanying document with the application confirmed the new equipment would not pose a risk to health.

Those wishing to comment on the plans will have until Friday, February 24.

It is hoped a decision will be made by Thursday, March 23. 

So far there have been no objections to the plans.

It comes as new faster networks have been expanding across the city since 2021, when EE switched on its Norwich coverage in April that year.