Plans for an “ugly” 5G mast in Kirkby have been rejected over accusations of “arrogance” and “bullying” by the company responsible for the equipment.
Knowsley Council’s planning committee last night voted unanimously to refuse permission to upgrade the existing mast on top of Kirkby shopping centre, despite officers recommending they approve it.
While several councillors said they were not opposed to the technology in principle, they described the proposed equipment as “an eyesore” that would detract from their plans to redevelop Kirkby town centre.
However, most of the objections focused on the refusal of applicant MBNL to work with the council to identify alternative sites for the equipment, which would be taller and bulkier than the existing masts.
Officers told the committee that MBNL, a joint venture between phone companies EE and Three, said it had found no suitable alternatives to the building at the corner of St Chad's Parade and Newtown Gardens and twice refused to meet with planning staff to discuss other options.
Council leader Graham Morgan said he was “shocked” by MBNL’s “arrogance”, adding he took “great offence” at “an arrogant, faceless group of people who will not bother to come in and engage with us”.
Other senior councillors joined the chorus of opposition, with finance chief Jayne Aston saying: “I think their stance leaves this committee with no view but to refuse this application and have them come back and engage with us.”
Cllr Margaret Harvey said she was “infuriated that even though we are not a leafy suburb, an important development like Kirkby is being overlooked”.
She added: “I’m not opposed to 5G and its roll out. What I am extremely opposed to is the complete lack of consultation and the complete dismissal of the residents of Knowsley.”
Planning officers had originally recommended approving the upgrade, saying refusing it because of concerns about its visual impact on the area “could not be sustained” at a planning appeal.
However, councillors decided unanimously to reject the application and insist MBNL engage with the council to find an alternative site.
