Plans to install a ‘monstrous’ 20 metre high 5G mast in Twyford has been rejected by the council. 

Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL), a telecommunications company jointly owned by EE and Three, proposed positioning the pole on land off Waltham Road, close to Stanlake Meadow. 

The application to Wokingham Borough Council had 52 comments lodged against it, with the vast majority objecting to the scheme.

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Valeri Thorn said the “monstrous structure” would not be in keeping with the area, whilst Matthew Taylor complained the “eyesore” would be seen from his house. 

There were also comments in support of the plan, Dr Trudie Fell and Scott Barton welcomed the proposal on the basis that mobile network coverage in the area is “poor”. 

Twyford Parish Council were “not in favour” of the plan due to it being “unsightly” and its proximity to a recreational ground and woodland.  

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Despite having a similar application refused last year, MBNL also included plans for the installation of six antenna, four transmission dishes and five ground-based equipment cabinets “within a fenced, secured compound”. 

Due to the imminent removal of a telecommunications base station on the rooftop of Interserve House at Runscombe Business Park, the application claimed a replacement is “essential” to ensure that network services continued in the area. 

The council determined that its “excessive height, bulk, inappropriate siting and utilitarian appearance” would “significantly distract” from the character of the surrounding area.