Salford becoming 'mast city' as council struggles to block telecoms poles

Salford could become "mast city" as it struggles to stop new telecoms masts being installed, a councillor has warned.

Phil Cusack, chair of Salford City Council's planning committee, said new masts going up around the borough are causing "constant" problems, and urged the government to take action.

Currently, telecoms firms are able to use permitted development rights to bypass planning permission, leaving town halls powerless to stop them.

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Salford council recently refused an application by Cornerstone for a 20-metre mast on Gore Crescent next to the grade II listed Buile Hill Park, after officers said it would 'harm' the appearance of the area and create 'excessive clutter' on the street. But after an appeal the council's decision was overturned.

Coun Cusack said: "We are constantly getting issues with telecoms masts and I think we are in danger, with many other urban areas, of becoming 'mast city'.

"Residents don't realise that many masts do not require planning permission so they are out of our control. There's a desperate need for the government to legislate on this issue."

Cornerstone said it "carefully considers" the location and design of all its developments, and aims to "ensure they integrate into the area as much as possible."

The company pointed out that the masts provide "quality digital connectivity," and that any harm from its plans to build a mast next to Buile Hill Park was found to be minimal.

Councils across Greater Manchester have struggled with the problem, with examples of masts being installed directly outside homes and causing local backlash.

The Manchester Evening News recently reported how in Oldham, the council took action against telecoms firm IX Wireless, ordering the company to temporarily suspend its work across the borough.

But so far there has been a lack of government intervention on the issue nationally.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was approached for comment.