ANGER as plans for a 5G mast that was initially refused by the council will go ahead due to an “error”.

Telecommunications company CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd had its scheme turned down to erect a 15m monopole with associated cabinets on a grass verge at the junction of Link Road and Horton Road, Datchet.

This was part of the mass rollout of 5G technology for communities to have a reliable network connection.

Hutchinson was asking for prior approval, which effectively bypasses the planning process to speed up development, but was refused by planning officers who believed it would be ‘visually dominant’ and will impact the character of the area.

However, despite the refusal, Datchet councillor Ewan Larcombe contacted the Local Democracy Reporting Service, saying he has seen work crew implementing the foundation for the mast last week.

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A Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council spokesperson said the installation can proceed because they didn’t issue its decision within the 56-day period required by legislation due to an “error”.

This is not the first this has happened. Hutchinson’s plans to erect a 15m 5G mast in Ruddlesway, Windsor, was automatically approved for the same reason.

A spokesperson for CK Hutchinson said the telecommunications company applied to the council’s highways team for permits to begin the first stage of the work, which were granted on October 10 and 25, and will apply for the next phase at a later date.

An incensed Cllr Larcombe said the 5G mast will be “obtrusive and overbearing,” adding: “[CK Hutchinson) have got the money and they think they can do what they want. They do not care about how the place looks.

“They have no interest at all in the permanent harm that it [the 5G mast] will have on the area.”

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While not objecting to the scheme, Datchet Parish Council felt the mast was in “the wrong place” and asked the applicant if it could be moved away from the residential area. A request that was ignored.

The CK Hutchinson spokesperson said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Datchet. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.

“Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage. We carry out extensive searches and surveys to evaluate all the options. We then choose the option most likely to gain planning approval from the local council.

“We have followed the correct processes. Our planning application was not determined by the planning authority within the permitted 56-day timeframe, and there was no objection on grounds of pedestrian or vehicular safety, so we applied for permits to begin the first stages of work which were granted.”