Southampton 5G masts: When people take matters into their own hands

This year, planning chiefs at the city council have received dozens of applications for 5G masts.

Some have proved to be quite controversial and have forced residents to take matters into their own hands.

Here’s a round-up of 5G mast applications that have caused quite a stir.

Raymond Road

Car dumped on the pavement (Image: Newsquest)

The prospect of a mast being installed on Raymond Road despite planning permission being refused led Jodie Whitworth to dump her car on the pavement to stop engineers.

In a dramatic standoff, the 44-year-old used her Citroen C1 to prevent workers from assessing the site.

She only removed it after police were called.

Speaking in September, Jodie said: “My fiancé told me to take our little car and place it where they were going to dig a hole, he meant on the road, but I put it on the pavement.

“For us, it’s about all the sneakiness that is going on, we objected to the plans and they’re still going ahead.”

Read the full story here.

Wodehouse Road

Sonny Jarvis next to the proposed plans of the 5G mast (Image: Newsquest)

Sonny Jarvis said the 5G mast set to be put up in Wodehouse Road was going to be “double the size of his home” and called it a “monstrosity”.

The 36-year-old from Southampton was furious at the proposals, lodged by telecommunications firm Three, saying they would devalue the home he spent years decorating.

"This does not sit well with me as it is directly outside my house," he said back in June.

"If it goes up, I will not escape the view of it. The mast will be double the size of my house.

"Three want to put it in such a built-up area, and I am the worst affected."

Read the full story here.

Bitterne Road

Julian Puckett pointing at the proposed site for the 5G mast (Image: Newsquest)

A long-standing resident of Bitterne Road called for “eyesore” plans to erect a telecoms mast to be scrapped.

Julian Puckett, who has lived in the area for 27 years, has been urging his neighbours to object to the pole – planned to be twice the height of the houses along the road.

Mr Puckett said: "This seems so upfront and it’s right at the front of the house, it’s not at the side or a discreet location, it can be seen from every front window of the houses here.

"You don’t mind losing a bit of light if it comes from the tree, but you don’t want it from a monstrosity like that."

Read the full story here.

Southampton Road, Hythe

Residents were shocked when they discovered a giant Vodafone mast was being installed outside their homes in Southampton Road, Hythe. (Image: Reader's submission)

Last month, campaigners celebrated a “victory for people power” after stopping the construction of a 5G mast that would have towered over their homes.

The 24m pylon was going to be built without residents being consulted.

In a sign of protest, the group forced contractors to clear the site.

Resident, Emily Kemish, said: "Just before 10.30am we were told Vodafone were abandoning the site. We refused to move until we had this in writing, which came through at 10.36am.

"One of the workers said it was the first time he’d seen a site be abandoned.

"We're really pleased we managed to make a difference."

Read the full story here.

Are there plans for a 5G mast near you? How do you feel about it? Email your views to newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk

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