Dozens of local residents have joined forces to oppose plans for a 16-metre cell phone tower in West Kirby.
Mobile network three has asked Wirral Council to determine whether prior approval is required for the structure on Sandy Lane, which would have six antennas above and three cabinets on the ground floor.
The company says it wants to fill a coverage gap “to ensure that the latest high-quality 3G and 4G services are provided in this area of the city. The proposed pillar will also ensure that new 5G coverage can be deployed at this site. This ensures that coverage and capacity needs are maintained and improved.”
It adds: “The design of the proposed equipment is seen as the least visually disruptive option available. Although it is accepted that there will be an intensification of the amount of equipment, an additional monopoly and associated cabinets in the field, it is believed that such a small increase would not detract from the character of the proposal.”
Three say the mast can’t be any lower because it needs to remove local buildings and trees to work effectively.
Artist’s rendering of the mast submitted with the application
However, residents in the area have launched a campaign to stop the pylon from being erected and have spent the weekend on Sandy Lane handing out letters of objection to passers-by.
They argue it is too close to homes, would be a “spot on a beautiful landscape” and would narrow the sidewalk. They also have concerns about the impact on nature and noise pollution from the closets.
Organizer Sally Mayhew told West Kirby Today: “It’s totally out of tune with the area which has World Heritage views across Marine Lake and the Welsh Hills.
“The proposed site is heavily trafficked as part of the Wirral Coastal Path and this installation will significantly narrow that path, making it difficult for families with strollers and wheelchair users to navigate safely.
“During busy times like the annual Wirral Walk, this could force people onto the road, which is on a dangerous curve. Sight lines exiting Riverside are directly impacted by the size of this facility, creating potential traffic accidents.”
She added, “We have excellent cellular coverage and internet access in this area, so we don’t need that mast.”
Three says it was looking at other locations in the area but they weren’t as suitable due to the limited space.
Comments on the planning application can be submitted until 3 March at https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=227360
