Ilford South MP Sam Tarry has added his support to residents opposing plans to erect a 66ft 5G radio mast in Goodmayes.
A number of residents have already filed objections to Three's planning application to install the mast and three control cabinets, opposite the junction of Abbotsford Road and Airthrie Road.
Residents are opposed to the size of the mast, which would be more than three times the height of trees in the area.
Mr Tarry sent a letter to council leader Jas Athwal, as well as the corporate director of regeneration and culture, expressing his concerns about it being unsuitable in a residential area and impeding pavement access.
He said: "Alongside the residents, I support the proposal that this application should be rejected on the grounds that there are others spaces, outside of residential areas, where this could be built.”
A Three UK spokesperson said: “Access to 5G has a vital role to play in boosting local economies, helping residents and businesses get faster and more reliable network coverage. This is why we’re working with the local council in Ilford to roll out the UK’s fastest 5G network so that we can keep everyone connected both now and in the future.
“5G uses slightly shorter wavelengths than previous generations. As a result, they do not travel as far as 2, 3 and 4G wavelengths and cannot pass into buildings as easily. For these reasons, the 5G antennae need greater height than 2, 3 or 4G antennae.
“While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be situated near to where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.”
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