Three mobile masts proposed for town

A mobile phone company has submitted proposals for three 15m (49ft) towers and antenna equipment in Bengeo and on the Sele Farm Estate.

The planning applications have been submitted by Dalcour MacLaren on behalf in Hutchinson Telecom, owners of the Three network.

The proposed sites are opposite local shops in The Avenue, Bengeo, on the Sele Farm estate next to local shops in Fleming Crescent, and the corner of Millmead way and Beane Road. All three locations are close to residentail properties and schools.

The company have also submitted an appeal to The Planning Inspectorate after similar plans for a 20m mast on the corner of Mimran Road and Hertingfordbury Road were refused in February.

The masts are thought to be necessary to replace facilities on top of Hertford Theatre.

The proposed development ... is part of H3G's management and network deployment of telecommunications sites. The expectations are that future telecoms technology will support government policy regarding digital inclusion; improvements in health and social care; assisting in local economic growth; advancing the development of Smart Cities and supporting innovative uses thoughout the transport sector for both personal and public travel. The proposed new installations and upgraded equiupment provides the latest technology and the ability to prerpare for new technology such as 5G

:: Dalcour MacLaren

The proposals have already attracted 22 objections from Sele Farm residents, many referring to the masts as "an eyesore" and highlighting the impact on nearby homes.

The District Council's refusal of previous plans for a 20m mast claimed that "the high visibility of the mast in the public realm means that it would appear unduly dominant and overly prominent in the surrounding area. There would be an adverse impact upon the character and appearance of the site".

Separate proposals for a 25m mast on land within woodland adjacent to playing fields opposite County Hall were given the go-ahead in January.

A decision on the planning applications is expected later in the summer.