Campaigners’ concern over 5G mast plans

Hutchison UK Ltd wants to install the 20 metre high Fifth Generation mast and associated telecommunications equipment on land adjacent to Seaside Recreation ground and opposite the junction of Barden Road with Seaside.

Scientists say research shows no adverse health effects have been linked to exposure to wireless technologies – and the UK government says radio frequency fields around 5G masts near the public are many times below guideline levels.

Studies from organisations including the World Health Organisation, Public Health England and the UK Health Protection Agency have all shown that 5G isn’t harmful to health.

However, the application has attracted the attention of awareness campaign group 5G Eastbourne – Is it safe? and volunteers have been delivering hundreds of leaflets to houses in nearby roads.

Sara Di Sienna from the group said, “This 20 metre high mast will have the capability to transmit pulsing, beam-forming 5G radio waves in phased arrays across the entire area.

“There is increasing public concern about the safety and health effects of such 5G masts and there have been successful objections made to councils to stop them being installed in many other towns across the UK.

“We have met and spoken to a great many people who are gravely concerned about this 5G mast proposal and that there has been no public consultation, no safety, health or environmental risk assessment and no public consent.”

People have also voiced their concerns on the council’s planning website.

Howard and Catherine Simpson, who live in Royal Parade, say the requested prior approval has been made without public consultation, without an assessment of local consent, without a full Health and Environmental Risk assessment and therefore no proof of public safety.

The couple said, “The particular intended location is in regular use by children who could be put at risk from exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation. The choice of location is an especially important consideration and has been selected without proper consultation and public scrutiny of the health risks.”

Jennifer Mace lives in Whitley Close next to the Rec said, “I don’t think that this is the right place for a mast, being adjacent to an open space and children’s playground where families congregate. As well as being an eyesore amongst the trees and existing buildings, not enough research has been done on the effects of 5G on health and wellbeing of both children and adults living within the vicinity of such masts.”

Jenny Maddison, who lives in Seaside opposite the park, said, “This application should be declined immediately. This mast will be too close to a well used children’s play and recreation ground, it will be in view from residents homes, and there has also been concerns to residents’ health regarding these masts.”

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