Exclusive by Alan Quick

A NUMBER of years ago there was some concern about a plan to install a telecommunications mast inside the well-hidden free-standing Shell Crediton Service Station sign in Exeter Road.

The public will soon be asked to comment on a proposal for a telecommunications base station upgrade at Shell Crediton Service Station.

Everything Everywhere Ltd and Hutchison 3G Ltd plan to install a telecommunications mast and associated apparatus as part of a continued network improvement programme.

It plans to install a radio base station at the garage, near the car wash facility, to provide upgraded 2G and 3G coverage and new 4G coverage in the area.

This proposal involves the siting of a slim 20m high monopole (height including three antennas), associated antennas, four equipment cabinets (including two to be stacked one above the other) and ancillary works.

The plan is that the existing five metre lamp post would be removed.

The applicants are currently consulting in the area prior to the submission of the application.

Paul Street, on behalf of the applicants, in communication to interested parties, said: “There is an ongoing need for the Everything Everywhere and Hutchison 3G Ltd to provide coverage, including superfast 4G coverage.

“Given the need to maintain coverage in the area, retaining a base station in this established location is the logical solution. The design selected will enable the required maintenance and improvements in network coverage. As a consequence, no alternative sites have been considered and discounted.

“The Local Planning Authority mast register and our records of other potential sites have already been reviewed, the policies in the Development Plan have been taken into account and the planning history of the site has been examined.

“All Everything Everywhere Ltd and Hutchison 3G Ltd  installations are designed to be fully compliant with the public exposure guidelines established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines have the support of UK Government, the European Union and they also have the formal backing of the World Health Organisation.  A certificate of ICNIRP compliance will be included within the planning submission.”