A campaign has been launched against a new 5G mast in Edinburgh over fears that the 65ft structure will block views of the castle. Telecoms company CK Hutchison Networks have proposed building the structure on Johnston Terrace which is located near the iconic tourist attraction.
The application which was submitted in March has already attracted 71 objections on the Edinburgh City Council website. Consultations for the proposal are due to end at midnight on Friday April 7.
Locals have raised concerns that the location of the mast may deter tourists from visiting the area. Marc Wilkinson, 55, who is behind the campaign having lived in the capital for 35 years told Edinburgh Live: "The main thing that I am objecting about is the fact that no one seems to know about the application that was sent to the council."
Marc went onto claim "there's a very small number of people who were informed" about the planning implementation of the 5G mast.
"It is right bang smack in the middle of the city, next to Edinburgh castle in the midsts of a UNESCO world heritage site. It is just going to be a complete and utter eyes sore and it is going to destroy the view. The mast is 65 feet high and right in front of the most photographed place of the whole of Scotland as it is the only place on the Grassmarket that you can see the castle."
Colinton resident, Richard Ennos, 64, who attended the protest said: "It is a gross intrusion into what is supposed to be a conservation area and which has UNESCO heritage status. It may be just the first of many and if it goes ahead we may be ruining the cityscape of the very, very valuable city of Edinburgh."
A Three UK spokesperson said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Johnston Terrace. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.
“Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage. We carry out extensive searches and evaluate a wide range of options before submitting any planning applications."
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