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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
David Meikle & Katie Williams

60ft mast that would block views of Edinburgh Castle scrapped after locals rage

Plans for a 5G communications mast to be erected in the middle of the most photographed view of Edinburgh Castle have been scrapped.

An application had been lodged with the city council to erect the giant 60ft structure on Johnston Terrace which passes below the castle.

Mobile network Three UK had claimed the mast was 'vital' to providing services and would not spoil the view.

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But as Edinburgh Live previously reported, 160 furious residents objected to the plans and insisted the view of the castle would be ruined if the mast was built. It has now emerged plans for the mast have been withdrawn and will no longer go before planners at the city council.

Three are working with city officials to come up with a 'suitable' location for the mast. The proposed site of the mast in Johnston Terrace was at the top of Granny's Green Steps.

Plans for a 5G communications mast to be erected in the middle of the most photographed view of Edinburgh Castle have been scrapped. (Steven Brown)

City tours stop at the area of the Grassmarket to allow tourists to take pictures of the historic landmark. Historic Environment Scotland, who own the castle, said they had not been consulted on the planned mast.

In an objection letter to the council, one resident said: "I strongly object to this mast in a world heritage centre. If the council allow this to go ahead they will ruin our city even more than they have already."

Another wrote: "The proposed site for this mast with its six antennas and four cabinets is clearly going to be an eyesore with it being so close to these important listed buildings including the castle. It is in the Old Town Conservation Area and the Edinburgh World Heritage site."

A third added: "This should never be approved, particularly in a UNESCO conservation area, interrupting famous well photographed views.

"This huge industrial scale installation of a 5G monopole and accompanying cabinets are hideous and unnerving for many people causing anxiety and stress. This will be incongruous with the surrounding character and will impact on the quality of the local area and tourist appreciation."

A spokesman for Three said: "5G rollout is vital for residents, visitors and businesses in the centre of Edinburgh. We want to offer a great network experience in the area and our planners determined that a new site was required to deliver it

"Following a review, we have withdrawn our application and are working with the city planning team to try to find a suitable location for the mast."

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