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A new 5G mast in Bersted would be 'highly visible' from a listed pub and introduce an 'element of modern technology within its setting'.

That was the objection from Arun planning officers after they received notification of a street pole and equipment cabinets on land next to 1 North Bersted Street.

Officers said: "By reason of its siting within the street scene, the proposed telecommunications equipment would result in unacceptable harm upon the setting of a grade II listed building."

They said the principal of development was not in dispute 'only the siting and appearance of this location'.

A drawing of the proposed site of the 5G mast in Bersted

"The site forms a narrow grass verge which runs alongside the highway and a car park serving The Royal Oak pub," they said.

"This fronts the junction between Chichester Road, Chalcraft Lane and North Bersted Street.

"The mast is located slightly north west of The Royal Oak pub, which is a grade II listed building.

"The details submitted within the application note, 'Due to the constrained nature of the cell search area, a location on the periphery of the heritage asset has been selected and any perception of harm would be outweighed by the benefits the scheme would deliver to the community'.

"The mast would be highly visible from the listed building and would introduce an element of modern technology within its setting.

"The setting is essentially how the asset is experienced, which in this case includes the roads and car parking area to the side of the public house.

"The location of the mast is in an area which is essentially open space which provides some breathing space before the recently constructed modern development.

"As a result, its location is such that it would be seen in the same context as the listed building and is not positive."

Here is the latest crime round-up for the Bognor Regis area

Bersted Parish Council objected on the same grounds as well as it being too close to a nursery and there being bats in the area.

A further 89 letters of objection were received from 85 nearby occupiers.

They said it is too close to properties and gardens, they were concerned about the radiation and its impact on health, it would devalue properties, it would affect visibility at the junction and it will set a precedence, among other reasons.

To view the plans go to the Arun District Council planning portal and use the search reference BE/74/22/TEL.

Proposed 5G mast would be too close to a listed Bognor Regis pub, say planners