A plan to convert a telecoms mast in Caversham to be suitable for 5G connectivity has been opposed by one of Reading’s MPs.

An application has been submitted to replace the current 8-metre mast outside 94 Chiltern Road in Caversham with an 18-metre tall one with 5G capabilities.

The mast plan has been submitted Mobile Broadband Network Ltd (MBNL) on behalf of Three UK.

A design for the mast appears to show it being placed slightly to the right of the existing pole, and include the installation of two ground based cabinets.

Clarke Telecom, the planning agents for MBNL have argued the new mast would bring much needed 5G connectivity to the area, something the Government has recognised is ‘essential’ for people and businesses.

However, the mast has been opposed by one of Reading’s MPs, who has argued it could present an eyesore and would overlook homes in Chiltern Road, which is a residential hill made up of two-storey homes.

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Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, said: “While I believe it is important to prepare for 5G and other improvements to connectivity, I am concerned about applications for very large pieces of telecoms infrastructure in areas where they can cause an eye sore.

“I have worked with residents and opposed a number of planning applications for masts and other infrastructure in residential areas.

“I am calling on telecoms firms to consider a range of sites when they plan changes to local infrastructure, so that new poles, base stations and other infrastructure can be placed in less noticeable locations, away from houses, parks and other sensitive sites.”

The developers MBNL had initially hoped for the mast to be automatically approved under permitted development rights.

However, planning officer Beatrice Malama ruled that the mast would require prior approval from the council.

This means the council’s planning department has the power to approve or refuse it if it is deemed unacceptable.

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To view the application yourself, type in reference 221279 into the council’s planning portal.

For its part, a spokesperson for Three said: “This is a proposed upgrade to an existing site to maintain the current coverage for users and improve their experience.

“We want the community in Caversham to have a reliable network experience and this upgrade will be critical to making that happen.”

Mr Rodda has objected to a series of 5G mast applications in Reading this year.

In August, a plan for a 5G mast in Kidmore Road, Caversham was rejected, and a similar plan for a 5G mast in Vauxhall Park, Woodley was also rejected in June after Mr Rodda voiced objections alongside neighbours.