5G Tower Upgrade
North Northamptonshire Council has received a notification dated 9 June 2025 regarding an upgrade to an existing telecommunications base station. This proposal, submitted by Cornerstone on behalf of operators such as VMO2, involves replacing three antennas with nine, installing 18 Remote Radio Units (RRUs), removing an existing cabin, and adding three new cabinets. The work is intended to enhance mobile coverage, including support for 5G services, and is classified as permitted development.
The site is located on industrial premises adjacent to Melton Road North, within a fenced compound. The upgrade focuses on modifying equipment on an existing structure without constructing a new tower.
The current installation features a 22.5-metre high monopole, which is a slender, single-pole tower made from materials like steel, designed specifically to support telecommunications antennas at the top. This type of pole is common for mobile networks because it is relatively unobtrusive compared to larger lattice towers. The proposed changes include mounting the new antennas and RRUs on an upgraded headframe at the top of the pole, but the overall height and basic structure are not expected to increase significantly, maintaining the site's current profile.
What is Permitted Development?
Permitted development refers to a set of rules in England that allow certain types of work to proceed without requiring a full planning application to the local council. For telecommunications, this is outlined in Part 16, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended). It applies to upgrades by licensed operators, such as adding or replacing antennas and cabinets on existing sites, provided the changes do not exceed limits on size, height, or visual impact. The goal is to speed up network improvements while still requiring notification to the council, which can confirm if the work qualifies. If it does not meet the criteria, a formal application might be needed.
What are RRUs?
RRUs, or Remote Radio Units, are compact electronic devices mounted close to the antennas on the pole. They act as the "brains" for handling radio signals, converting digital data from the base station into radio waves that your phone can receive, and vice versa. By placing them near the antennas, signal loss is minimized, improving efficiency and coverage. In this proposal, the 18 RRUs will be distributed at various points along the upper section of the pole to support multiple frequency bands for 4G and 5G.
Power Levels
Specific power details for this site are not provided in the documents, but typical 5G base stations in the UK operate with an Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) ranging from 50 to 75 dBm per sector, depending on the frequency band and location. EIRP measures the total signal strength broadcasted in a particular direction, regulated by Ofcom to ensure compatibility with other systems. For macro sites like this, power levels are higher than small cells but are designed to cover wider areas without exceeding licensed limits.
Environmental Impact
This upgrade promotes shared infrastructure among operators, which can reduce the need for new towers and minimize land disruption overall. However, expanding 5G networks may lead to higher energy consumption, contributing to increased carbon emissions and climate change pressures. Studies highlight potential effects on wildlife, including harm to birds, insects, and trees from electromagnetic fields near towers. Additionally, the rollout could generate more electronic waste from replaced equipment and increase visual clutter in local areas.
House Price Impact
Research on the impact of telecom masts on property values in the UK and similar contexts shows varied outcomes. Some studies indicate a potential decrease of 2% to 25% in house prices for properties near visible masts, driven by concerns over appearance and perceived issues. For instance, one analysis found a 0.54% price drop for every 1,000 feet closer to a tower. However, other evidence suggests minimal or no effect, particularly for upgrades to existing sites or less prominent structures, as seen in a recent Warsaw study where no detrimental impact was observed. The influence often depends on the mast's visibility and local market perceptions.
More Information
https://publicaccess.wellingborough.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=SXSBZWRB0KV00
Vote in this ballotResults
| Option | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Approve the tower | 0 | 0% |
| Reject the tower | 0 | 0% |
| No preference | 0 | 0% |
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