Plans to install EE 4G mast in Thornbury withdrawn

Mobile network operator EE Limited submitted plans to South Gloucestershire Council in late July to erect the new monopole at a grass verge in Gloucester Road. 

The scheme also included installing three antennas, two dishes plus three cabinets. 

EE said in a planning statement the mast, if approved, would provide customers with improved 2G, 3G and 4G service in the surrounding area. 

They revealed that currently, most of the area does not have “good indoor 3G and 4G coverage.” 

However, the application was officially withdrawn on Saturday, September 16. 

The proposed site in Gloucester Road (Image: Google Maps)

A group of 28 neighbours from nearby Swallow Park launched an open letter against the scheme citing concerns over alleged 'health problems'. 

Meanwhile, both Thornbury Town Council and Transport Development Control from SGC objected to the application raising concerns over driver safety and visibility with the Butt Lane junction. 

In the application, it was revealed fifteen other sites were considered including Park Road, Alexandra Way, Warwick Place, Old Vicarage, Clare Walk, Morton Way, Manor Brook and Yew Tree Farm.

The proposed scheme is part of EE's contract with the government to improve communications among all blue-light services, eventually replacing the existing Airwave TETRA radio system.

A plan showing the proposed scheme from the application (Image: EE Limited)

A council document reads: “The monopole would address a gap in EE coverage and network capacity throughout Thornbury, whereby the existing indoor coverage is very poor. 

“Enhanced coverage and network capacity will be provided to EE’s network in this area including residents, visitors, and businesses. 

“With this in mind, the application site was chosen due to the level of existing vegetation that
will provide some screening, particularly from the perspective of the surrounding residential
properties.”

A spokesperson for EE, said: “Following continued dialogue with the local authority we became aware that future works scheduled in the area could impact the deployment of our site, so we made the decision to withdraw our application.  

“We will give careful consideration to any other suitable site locations.”

Telent spokesperson said: "Telent is acting as a planning agent for a client in this application and due to commercial confidence, we are unable to comment on this matter."