Norwich: Sprowston 5G mast planned for Cozens-Hardy Road

Cozens-Hardy Road in Sprowston could see a new 17m mast erected after it became the fourth to be planned in Norwich this month.

Other masts planned for the Fine City include in St Clements Hill, Bluebell Road near the UEA and Wilberforce Road.

The pole with supporting equipment cabinet, which would be built by CK Hutchinson, has received two public objections so far.

One objection said the mast would be "an eyesore to the whole area" adding it would be an obstruction to road and pavement users.

The complainant said: "The reduction of the path will encourage pedestrians, in particular school children, to go onto the road and this is extremely dangerous especially when the traffic is at its busiest after school."

Another person said the pole would be placed directly behind their home and complained about noise from the installation adding they felt it would look a "mess".

One person also raised concerns about the health impact of the mast, however an independent accompanying document with the application confirmed the new equipment would not pose a risk to health.

In the company's planning statement it said the design would fit with the street.

A statement supplied with the application read: "The enclosed application is identified as the most suitable option that balances operational need with local planning policies and national planning policy guidance.

"It will deliver public benefit in terms of the mobile services it will provide."

It comes as new faster networks have been expanding across the city since 2021, when EE switched on its Norwich coverage in April that year.

According to the Ookla 5G map Norwich and its surrounding area has 75 5G deployments placing it just behind Cambridge with 83 masts.

Birmingham has the highest level of connectivity with 415 masts, followed by London with 405 and Leeds with 372.