5G Mast Approved Near Hove Schools Despite Local Opposition

A 66ft (20-metre) 5G mast is set to be installed at the corner of Dyke Road and The Upper Drive in Hove, following a successful appeal by mobile phone infrastructure company Cornerstone.

The decision comes despite hundreds of objections from local residents, who argued the mast would create “visual clutter” in the area and be too close to nearby schools. Students regularly walk past the site on their way to Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Stanford Infant and Junior Schools, and BHASVIC.

Brighton and Hove City Council originally rejected the plans last June, describing the location as part of the city’s “green gateway” and raising concerns about the impact on street views.

However, an independent planning inspector overturned the council’s decision, ruling that while the mast would affect the character and appearance of the area, the public benefits of a stronger and more reliable 5G network outweighed those concerns.

The inspector, Jeremy Heppell, noted that Cornerstone had explored alternative options, including upgrading existing masts at Quebec Barracks, but found them unsuitable due to space limitations.

He said the proposed ground-based mast was the only feasible solution to improve local telecommunications.

Local opposition included a petition signed by 282 people and 55 individual objections to the council.

Petition organiser Jez Pegg expressed disappointment with the outcome, saying the decision favoured the telecommunications company over residents.

Independent councillor Samer Bagaeen and Conservative councillor Ivan Lyons, who both represent the area, also criticised the ruling.

Councillor Bagaeen said the telecom providers showed little regard for the local community, while Councillor Lyons called for mobile masts to be shared wherever possible and used only as a last resort.

Cornerstone works with major providers including Vodafone and Three, and says the new mast and associated equipment are needed to deliver faster and more reliable 5G coverage in the area.