Plans to bring 5G mobile connectivity for Wellington are set to be considered by the town council.
At present 4G coverage is provided by two masts sited just off Scott's Lane, behind Waitrose.
Cornerstone Telecommunications, who are responsible for the masts, have launched a bid to replace one of the structures with a tower capable of providing 5G.
Also known as the 5th generation mobile network, 5G is the latest standard for wireless communications. It is more reliable, can deliver higher speeds and reduces latency.
If the plans are approved Wellington residents will be able to access the improved service from their mobile phones.
In 2019 Wellington Town Council adopted the so-called 'precautionary principle' in its dealings with 5G technology over concerns there was insufficient information to determine any negative health impacts of 5G capable masts.
The council has the power to recommend approval or refusal to planners at Somerset Council, which can be a persuasive consideration.
Cornerstone are requesting permission to remove their 11.6 metre high mast and replace it with a 22.3 metre mast which can provide 5G coverage. In a statement to planners Cornerstone said:
"The design and type of equipment to be deployed in this case has been chosen to balance the technical requirements of the operator whilst seeking to minimise, so far as technically practicable, the impact of this proposed installation replacement upon the area.
"The site is an existing monopole within a mix-used area. The existing mast is located on the north eastern side of the entrance to South St Motors. The area to the south is mainly industrial, to the north the site is adjacent to Scotts Lane with the Waitrose’s car park beyond.
"An increase in height from 11.6m to 22.3m is proposed as part of this application. It is accepted that the proposed mast would be taller than the existing and the heights of existing built form and street furniture in proximity to the site. An increased height is required to provide improved coverage to the wider area and to address technical constraints associated with 5G.
"5G does not travel as far and is prone to ‘clipping’ than lower frequencies such as 3G and 4G. It does not pass well through different materials and needs a clear space free of obstructions (such as trees and buildings) to deliver signal. As such, there is a need to ensure that the antennas are able to rise above any obstructions including variations in topography."
The proposals have prompted some residents to come forward with concerns, including the headmaster of Wellington School who expressed 'very strong concerns about strong electromagnetic radiation.'
Cornerstone has said that its masts are fully compliant with public exposure guidelines, which are backed by the UK government, the European Union and the World Health Organisation.
Addressing concerns raised by some residents over the location of the new mast, Cornerstone said:"The mast is proposed in the location which it is designed to serve – the village within which it is located.
"An upgraded installation needs to be located so that it can replicate as closely as possible the existing coverage pattern (i.e. the areas to which coverage is currently provided) as well as improve upon this pattern and provide coverage to areas which have been identified as requiring coverage. Moving the mast away from the established location could result in the creation of new gaps in the network and may not serve the intended target population."
In November 2022 the government established a target of achieving 5G coverage across all the UK's populated areas by 2030. In April the government unveiled a fresh £150 million package to accelerate the rollout.