Planning permission for a 20m 5G telecoms pole in a leafy, quiet suburb of Cardiff has been rejected after more than a dozen residents complained - and senior politicians including Mark Drakeford joined them. Residents wrote to the council to oppose the plans, calling the mast an "eyesore," saying it would have a "detrimental visual impact" on nearby houses, and that it would be a distraction to drivers.
The mast was planned to go up at the junction of Heol Isaf and Min-Y-Coed (leading to Ty Mynydd Close and Cilfedw) in Radyr, the entrance to three quiet cul-de-sacs in a sought-after area of Cardiff. Residents were keen to stress that the area had won awards for its beauty and were worried about the mast's impact on it. Dr Derek Smith said: "There are well maintained grassed areas to either side of the road and a display of daffodils in the Spring. Min-y-Coed has twice won the 'Cardiff in Bloom' competition."
And Ceri Hague-Morgan and Marilyn Hague-Morgan OBE commented: "The National Planning Policy emphasises the need for planning to contribute to the enhancement of the national environment. Since the mast will do the exact opposite, it seems perverse to site the mast at a location known for its AWARD-WINNING attractiveness. This is especially the case since alternative sites nearby are available (siting near the motorway, for example)."
