PLANS have been refused for a new 15m high 5G mast on a major Southampton Road.
Submitted by CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd on November 16, the planning application requested permission to install the equipment on land adjacent to Avenue Court on The Avenue.
The proposals included the installation of a 15m high monopole, equipment cabinets and ancillary works which would be used to facilitate the areas 5G network.
But on January 10, the City Council rejected the application due to problems with the proposed size and height of the equipment, adding that this would have an affect on nearby properties as well as the nearby St Andrews United Reformed Church, which is Grade II Listed Building.
In the application, it states: "The site selection process has also been influenced by the numerous vertical elements of street furniture distributed around the vicinity of the site including street lighting columns.
"The height of the pole has been kept down to the absolute minimum capable of providing the required essential new 5G coverage.
"The site has been selected on a wide adopted area of the highway in a position that will not impede pedestrian flow or the safety of passing motorists."
But despite this, planning bosses at the city council said: "The proposed mast, associated equipment and cabinets by reason of their size and siting, would reduce the width of the existing footway and cycle path would lead to an unacceptable and impeding impact on highway operation for pedestrians and cyclists."
Speaking on behalf of Southampton Commons & Parks Protection Society, one objector said: "The telecom mast would be very visible approaching on The Avenue from both south and north. Its extreme height means it would be seen rising above the prevailing tree-line from many surrounding parts of The Common.
"It would damage landscape character and appearance of The Common. The treed approach to Southampton down The Avenue is one of the City's unique and well-known features. The mast would detract from appearance and character of that approach."
A total of five objections were received to the plans during the consultation period.
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