"Ugly" 5G mast in Windsor automatically approved due to 'error'

Planning permission was given to applicants CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd to erect a 15m metre on a verge opposite Windsor Gospel Hall in Ruddlesway, Dedworth after the Royal Borough Council did not issue a decision by the 56-day period.

The council say this was due to an error but still considered the application and did not have planning reasons to refuse it.

A previous application, which was to erect an 18m mast, which was objected to by over 50 residents and was refused by planning officers, saying it would add to the visual clutter” of the area and be “detrimental” to the openness of the green space.

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Windsor residents described the rejected mast as “ugly” and “monstrous”, fearing it could obstruct motorists when pulling out of the junction into Dedworth Road.

But now the scheme, albeit at a reduced mast, has triggered anger with objectors saying the error was “inexcusable” and “unacceptable”.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, John Holdstock, former chairman of the West Windsor Residents’ Association (WWRA), said the council “failed” to carry out its statutory duty and has demanded the approval to be withdrawn.

He said: “The council has failed at its duties. It would suggest that the council is unable to fulfil its statutory duties in relation to planning. We must therefore question its ability to carry out its duties in other areas too. Residents are basically losing faith in the ability of this council to fulfil its obligations.”

Drawing of the mast on the plot of land

Mr Holdstock suggested some mitigations if it can’t be withdrawn, such as moving the wall of cabinets that will go with the mast further back from the pavement to reduce obstructions to both motorists and pedestrians.

Although nearby Tinkers Lane was mentioned as an alternative to place the mast, the former chairman believed it will be “unlikely” for the applicants to move it there as they have permission to build on that land and it could cost more to do works and add cabling at that site.

The current chairman of WWRA, Richard Endacott, added: “I think the managing director should come out and make a statement to residents about why and how this is allowed to happen. Cllr Coppinger [lead member for planning] as well because it is a failure of process.”

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Both Mr Holdstock and Endacott accused planning officers of “disregarding” the Windsor Neighbourhood Plan, which sets out planning policies unique to the area, describing that plot of land as ‘designated local green space’.

A council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, the council did not issue a decision by the deadline because of an error and is taking steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

“In the interests of transparency, the application was still considered and, while taking note of the public comments, we did not consider there would have been planning grounds to refuse the prior approval for the siting and appearance of the proposed development.”