Delighted Cambuslang residents welcome phone mast rejection

Lanarkshire residents have expressed delight after a controversial phone mast application was knocked back by South Lanarkshire Council.

Telecommunications giant H3G wanted to place a 20 metre mast at Hallside Boulevard and Sycamore Way in Drumsagard in Cambuslang, a move that sparked over 700 complaints to the local authority.

Campaigners feared the mast would become an eyesore in the area, but H3G insisted that the site was the best location for the mast, as it would provide the widest breadth for 5G coverage.

However South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) have now ruled that the mast would have a negative visual impact on the area.

They wrote: "The proposal would have a detrimental visual impact on the streetscape and have a negative impact on the amenity of the area."

The report added that: "The mast would significantly contrast with its surroundings. It is the extent of this contrast that is important in assessing this application. The mast will tower over the houses and mature trees to the east and west."

H3G can appeal the decision to Scottish government ministers within the next three months if they wish.

Liisa Hepworth, the secretary of Cambuslang Community Council, helped lead the campaign against the mast.

She said: "We are absolutely delighted at the decision, although we know that H3G might appeal it. 5G is something that the area needs, but the mast would have been in a horrible location.

"The amount of complaints showed the depth of feeling in the area about it."

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey welcomed the decision.

She said: "I am delighted that SLC has refused approval for the 20-metre mast at Drumsagard.

"I recognise the need across my constituency for improved coverage but any sizeable proposal like this must be sited properly and companies must work with local communities.

"Councillor Katy Loudon and I had offered to liaise with 3 to find a more suitable location, but they continued with their proposals instead.

"Our offer to seek an alternative site remains on the table, if they consider revisiting the proposal.”

Cambuslang East Councilor Katy Loudon added that H3G should be looking to work with the community for a site in the area.

She said: "A concerted campaign by local residents and Halfway Community Council, supported by elected representatives, has demonstrated the vociferous opposition to the structure. I am delighted with the news and proud of the local community.

"As laid out in the council’s reasoning for refusal, permission for the structure has been denied as it was considered the proposal raised “significant landscape impact and amenity issues”.

"Should 3 think of appealing the decision, they should instead liaise with the community which has overwhelmingly opposed it."

H3G were approached for comment but have yet to respond.

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