Proposed 20m mast on Walsall Road
A plan to erect a 20-metre telecommunications mast on land opposite 101 Walsall Road in Sutton Four Oaks has drawn criticism from residents and local councillors over its potential visual impact. The mast, proposed by Jet Infrastructure Ltd, would deliver the latest 4G and 5G services to the area, according to a report published by Birmingham City Council.
The council report states there is a "specific requirement" for improved coverage at this location to ensure residents and businesses can access high-quality mobile services. However, the proposal has triggered objections from Sutton Town Council, which argues that placing a 20-metre-high pole in such an exposed spot would create an "adverse visual impact for neighbouring properties."
Objections from councillors and residents
Birmingham Conservative councillor Raaj Shamji, who represents the Sutton Four Oaks ward, has also voiced opposition. He said the mast would appear "visually dominant and out of keeping with the surrounding low-rise residential character." The concerns are echoed in 25 letters of objection received by the council, with one resident describing the mast as an "overbearing feature beside a public footpath."
The site is close to several homes and The Crown pub, and the mast would be visible to pedestrians and motorists along Walsall Road. Sutton Town Council has suggested that an alternative location should be found, but the applicant argues that this site was chosen after considering 40 other locations within the search area.
Council officer's assessment
In the report, a council officer acknowledged that the mast would be visible from the road but argued that it would not appear incongruous. "There are various street structures within the proximity of the site, including a bus shelter, signs, lamp posts and other telecoms equipment," the officer wrote. "As such, the proposed development would not appear as incongruous or as an isolated structure within this street scene."
The officer also explained that 5G masts need to be higher than surrounding buildings and trees to provide clear sightlines and greater coverage. While screening is limited, the report notes that existing highway trees, around 13 metres tall, would partially screen the mast and reduce visual intrusion. The officer concluded that the proposal would have a "moderate impact on visual amenity of the area."
Balancing benefits and visual harm
National planning policies advise that "significant weight" should be given to the need for economic growth and productivity. The report states that the benefits of improved mobile coverage must be weighed against any detrimental visual impact. In this case, the officer determined that the distance separation and tree coverage are sufficient to avoid harming the outlook from nearby properties.
The applicant considered 40 alternative locations, but many were discounted because they were closer to residential properties or sensitive sites. Others were ruled out due to tree heights that would affect coverage. The chosen site was deemed the "least harmful option" in terms of proximity to homes.
The council officer concluded: "I consider that in the absence of a more suitable alternative site in this search area, on balance, the benefits of the proposal and the need for the installation to be sited in this location outweighs the limited harm that would occur to the appearance of the area."
Next steps
The officer has recommended that no prior approval is required for the installation of the mast. The plans are set to be discussed by Birmingham Council's planning committee on Thursday, August 13. If approved, the mast would provide enhanced 4G and 5G coverage to the Sutton Four Oaks area, but opponents remain concerned about its visual impact on the community.
