An "eyesore" 5G mast set to be installed outside Pontypridd 's oldest pub will no longer go ahead. In early 2021, plans were put in place to erect the mast near the cherished Llanover Arms.
As well as taking you on a remarkable journey through Pontypridd's past, the pub has hardly changed in 200 years. You can read more about its story here. Previously, owner John Jones said he had never contemplated knocking it through and developing it like other modern pubs
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That's why when he learnt about plans to build a 5G mast right outside, it didn't go down too well with him or the regulars. Speaking in August 2021, he said: "It is proposed to site a 5G communications mast opposite the Llanovern. According to the plans it will be 20 metres high, and will have several ancillary units.
"Whether justified or not 5G masts are quite controversial but - strangely - don’t need planning permission. Basically a flimsy piece of paper attached to a nearby lamppost does the trick. Thus these masts are installed by stealth with the minimum of fuss, and without informing the general public. Since it is to be sited on a busy pavement, a lot of people will be walking immediately past the mast and the ancillary units.
"Apart from these concerns I don’t really want to have a 20 metre mast right outside the Llanover which is - after all - a landmark, one of the oldest buildings in the town and definitely the oldest pub. There are so many other places - even on the Bridge Street roundabout - that this monstrosity could be sited."
John claimed nobody in the nearby area, including himself, were properly notified. Three said it consulted with Councillor Michael Powell, the Local Planning Authority and Pontypridd Town Council and received no objections to the site. The application was registered in April 2021.
But nearly two years later in March 2023, Three Mobile has confirmed that the 5G mast will no longer be built at the site due tounsuitable ground. Alternative locations are now being explored.
A Three spokesperson said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Pontypridd. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and a new site will be critical to making that happen. The planned site was deemed to be unsuitable due to ground conditions and we will be exploring potential alternative locations."
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