5G mast by South Oxhey school sparks 660-strong petition

South Oxhey resident John Eastwood, 64, has been collecting signatures opposing proposals for the 17.5-metre pole in Gosforth Lane by St Joseph's Primary School.

Having handed in the petition today (August 27), he said: "It's not just unattractive and intimidating, people are concerned for their children.

"Now that we have the signatures we must play the waiting game, we are slowing the progress down, even if it seems inevitable these masts will be built."

John Eastwood has been collecting signatures against the plan. (Image: Facebook/John Eastwood)

Documents submitted with Vodafone's proposal highlight how research found “no dangers” are linked to mobile communication radio signals such as 5G.

The latest proposal, submitted July 28, comes after a previous plan for a 20m tower in Ainsdale Road was withdrawn last year after a backlash. A second attempt moving it 100m to the other side of the school - but still 50m from its playground - was then refused in March. 

There have been 19 more objections lodged online with only one comment in support.

The latest plan, which Vodafone says is to improve local 4G and 5G coverage, is in the same location as the second application but the height has been reduced to 17.5m. 

How the proposed mast would look. (Image: Cornerstone)

A spokesperson for Cornerstone, which submitted the plan on Vodafone's behalf, said it was aware its plans can cause concern within communities, adding it  “carefully” considers the location and design of its mobile infrastructure developments. 

Regarding the previous refusal over the antenna's height, they said: "After reviewing all our options, we concluded that the proposed site remained the best option locally.  

“We have redesigned the proposed development with a shorter pole to minimise any visual impact and now await the local planning authority decision.”

Documents submitted within the application highlight how research found “no dangers” are linked to mobile communication radio signals such as 5G when used within guidelines, according to Cornerstone.

Cllr Steve Cox called the proposed mast unsightly and incongruous (Image: Cllr Steve Cox)

South Oxhey councillor Steve Cox said local Labour councillors remain “implacably opposed” to this application, adding: “There are better places to stick a mast and they should go and find it.”

“It’s in the wrong place, unsightly and incongruous,” he added. “They need to go back and come up with a less intrusive site.”

The application site in Gosforth Lane. (Image: Google Maps/Canva)