I was pleased to visit some local Corby residents recently to discuss their concerns regarding a 5G mast application on Lyveden Way at Oakley Vale - a busy main road overlooking a residential area and the nearby Oakley Vale Primary School - to see the proposed site with them. They rightly raised their concerns as to the proposed location of the mast, which, standing at 15 metres, would be a huge blight on the scenery directly in front of the area, and which could also limit motorists' visibility as they pass through.
Indeed, other sites nearby would arguably be far more suitable, as they would not cause such issues; indeed, I understand a previous application for a 5G mast on Lyveden Way at the same location was rejected.
Having made various representations on this, I have been informed since the meeting that the application has already been given consent, but nonetheless, I’m very keen to work constructively with local residents, North Northamptonshire Council and Corby Town Council, as well as with the applicant, Three UK - as I have done previously elsewhere locally - to try and encourage a constructive approach that identifies a more appropriate alternative siting, more suitable than the one currently proposed. Ultimately, we all want to see these vital infrastructure upgrades delivered, but they should be delivered in a way that minimises the impact on, and disruption to, local residents.