Efforts to erect 85ft phone mast without consultation 'unacceptable', says Dartford council leader
Repeated efforts by contractors to erect an 85 foot phone mast have been stymied by residents, councillors and council officers.
Residents in Bowmans Road, Dartford, reported this week how they had parked their cars to block a lorry and crane which arrived to deliver the 5G antenna last Thursday.
They said they had no idea about plans to install the mast on neighbouring Bowmans Heath until the equipment arrived – and work was postponed after Dartford council officers arrived on site.
Resident Brian Crone said contractors had arrived again yesterday, but were unable to access the field again due to residents' cars blocking the site.
Dartford Council today said the failure to consult with residents was "unacceptable", and said the council had taken action to stop the work until consultation had taken place.
But they noted the Communications Act 2003 and The Digital Economy Act 2017 empowered communications providers to find sites and impose aerials on landowners of suitable sites.
Firms do not always need planning permission to install masts under 30 metres, which can be installed under "permitted development rights", granted through legislation.
A statement from the council added: "Circet UK requested discussions with Dartford Borough Council regarding proposals for an emergency temporary aerial on land in Bowmans Road that we lease from Kent County Council, although mid-process both authorities were served with a formal notice under the Act which would allow Circet UK to proceed with or without our agreement.
"We are never happy with such an approach and Circet UK eventually agreed to limit itself to looking for a temporary solution rather than use its powers to impose a permanent mast.
"The Council were assured by Circet UK that consultation would be undertaken with the local residents in the area. So as soon as it came to our attention that construction was starting without residents being informed, Officers attended the site and put a stop on the works, which currently remains in place.
"This stop will remain until we are satisfied that all consultation and statutory requirements are met."
Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite said: "It’s bad enough for the Council when telecoms companies installing 5G masts can ignore the usual planning processes and assert their permitted development rights, but when they fail to consult with local residents it’s completely unacceptable.
"In all honesty, the law is weighted against us but when we do have powers to act we won’t hesitate to do so. Stopping work will probably be a costly and time-consuming process for them but they really have no one else to blame.
"It’s not as if we or local communities are being unreasonable. People who live in rural areas know better than most how important the digital infrastructure is to communities, small businesses and the emergency services. Operators should work with communities who know their area best and can probably offer invaluable local knowledge about what’s best."
The council said officers are working with Circet UK to ensure that residents in the area are fully briefed on the firm’s plans for the temporary mast and will carefully monitor the works.
Circet UK has been approached for comment.