Telecom Mast Opposition - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Telecom Mast Opposition – A CHALKWELL community group is campaigning against plans to install new telecom masts in the ward.

Telecom Mast Opposition - A CHALKWELL community group is campaigning against plans to install new telecom masts in the ward.

A CHALKWELL community group is campaigning against plans to install new telecom masts in the ward.

Chalkwell Ward Resident’s Association (CWRA) is opposing a series of eight 12 metre masts to be positioned on pavements in residential streets, as revealed in plans by the telecoms company Connexin.

A spokesperson for CWRA said the response at their recent meeting was strong: “Chalkwell Ward Resident’s Association members were up in arms about plans by the telecoms company Connexin to install a series of 12 metre masts within the ward, which are understood to be intended to serve smart technology applications, such as meter reading.”

Council Chief Executive Colin Ansell who was present at the meeting, told CWRA: “The Council has no say at all over this matter, owing to past Government legislation, which no longer requires planning permission to be obtained for masts of this height.”

The eight roads earmarked for the masts are Cranley Road, First Avenue, Crowstone Road, Chalkwell Avenue, Leasway, Hillway, Esplanade Gardens and Meteor Road.

The CWRA stated: “The masts are unnecessary since Southend Council has its own existing smart technology network that the provider could use for the intended purpose.”

In their opposition, the group also cited a negative effect on property values, the ‘unsightliness’ of the masts and their impact on the street scene, as well as concerns over alleged health implications.

Coun James Courtenay of Chalkwell Ward recently met Northumbrian Water. He stated: “We met with Northumbrian Water on November 14.

“They have agreed that collaboration and partnering is a preferred option and we will meet again next week to explore a twin track approach: exploring how Connexin could use our IOT network or alternatively use the licensing model to use street light posts.

“In the interim, Northumbrian have agreed that they will instruct Connexin to pause all mast erection across Southend.”

Whilst Southend Council are reportedly planning to meet with Connexin to put forward alternative arrangements using existing networks, community opposition to the masts is mounting, with a dedicated Facebook page called ‘Southend Mast Objection Group’ having been started.

A CWRA spokesperson added: “As the matter is not yet resolved, residents plan to continue with our campaign of objection. Concerned residents are being encouraged to send their objections in writing direct to the CEO of Connexin.”

CWRA chair, Sally Holland, said: “Over the past few years, residents have suffered all the upheaval of road and footpath closures and grid lock across the City while CityFibre have been in stalling their Smart City technology here.

“They must not now allow another company to duplicate this work and create further disruption in addition to the other objections residents have raised.”

Key information will be posted on the CWRA website: www.chalkwell.org.uk.

Picture: An example of a mast in Chalkwell Avenue. By Connexin.

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