Community

Residents' fury as temporary telecom mast sparks fears of 25-year presence in Ormesby

Sunday, 18 May 2025 12:25AM UTC

Ormesby residents protest against the sudden erection of a large telecommunications mast near homes and schools, challenging its claimed temporary status amid noise, vibrations, and a lack of consultation that fuels concerns over long-term impact and property values.

Residents in Ormesby are expressing significant frustration over the unexpected installation of a large telecommunications mast that looms uncomfortably close to their homes and local schools. This recent development, situated off Normanby Road, has sparked complaints about incessant noise, disruptive vibrations, and uninvited alterations to the neighbourhood’s visual landscape. Many residents now fear potential impacts on property values, with some describing the structure as an "eyesore."

The mast, which is a temporary replacement for an existing one atop the derelict Spencerbeck House—set for demolition—was erected on land owned by Beyond Housing. The company has disclosed it granted a 12-month licence to MBNL (Mobile Broadband Network Limited) for the site, which provides infrastructure services for mobile operators like EE and Three. However, local accounts suggest that its presence leaves little room for complacency. One resident, Sue Cox, reported that workers on-site indicated the mast could remain for as long as 25 years, contradicting prior assumptions about its temporary nature.

Further grievances have surfaced from long-time residents such as 81-year-old Rita O'Brien, who lamented the loss of peace in her home due to relentless vibrations and noise, stating, "I can hear and feel it, even over the noise of the traffic." Her son described the sense of despair that the installation has imposed on his mother's quality of life, highlighting a sentiment shared among many affected families.

Local community members have rallied to voice their discontent, with efforts to gather signatures for a petition against the mast. Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of prior notification or consultation regarding the installation, raising serious questions about transparency and community engagement in the planning process. One anonymous resident noted, “We as a community have been to everyone for a response to our questions, but we are being ignored.”

This incident underscores a broader issue in telecommunications infrastructure development across the UK, where many masts can fall under ‘permitted development’ rights, allowing installations to proceed with minimal regulatory oversight. While local authorities and organisations like Ofcom have delineated guidelines that encourage consultation with communities and emphasise safety, these recommendations often remain unheeded.

Beyond Housing has acknowledged that MBNL "failed to inform" them or local residents prior to the installation of the mast. They also clarified that while MBNL possessed certain rights to put up the mast without seeking full planning permission, there was an expectation that residents would be informed beforehand. This highlights a critical gap in the communication between parties involved in such developments, often to the detriment of local communities.

Additionally, the situation raises important points regarding regulatory frameworks surrounding telecommunications infrastructure. Local councils, as detailed in various official communications, are tasked with handling planning permissions for installations. Although many masts do not require formal planning consent, they should still adhere to guidelines aimed at minimising visual impact and safeguarding public concerns—principles that seem to have been overlooked in Ormesby.

As the community continues to seek answers, it has emerged that MBNL must decommission the mast atop Spencerbeck House by the end of May—an indication of the pressing timeline as construction projects unfold in parallel. Despite repeated attempts, inquiries seeking direct commentary from MBNL regarding the residents’ concerns went unanswered. It remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved, and whether local voices will be amplified in future telecommunications developments.

In a landscape where digital connectivity is increasingly crucial, the tensions between progress and community wellbeing take centre stage. As local residents stand firm in their objections, the critical need for better communication and engagement from telecommunications companies becomes painfully evident, prompting a reevaluation of how such projects are managed against the backdrop of public sentiment and safety.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/mast-residents-normanby-road-ormesby-31664443 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/radio-equipment/masts-planning/ - Ofcom provides guidance on the planning and siting of telecommunications masts in the UK. While Ofcom manages radio spectrum licenses, the physical installation and planning permissions for masts are handled by local planning authorities. The document outlines the roles of various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and emphasizes the importance of consultation with local communities and stakeholders during the planning process. It also highlights the need for compliance with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines to ensure public safety.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-wireless-network-development-in-england/code-of-practice-for-wireless-network-development-in-england - The UK government's Code of Practice for Wireless Network Development in England offers best practice guidelines for the installation of wireless infrastructure. It covers aspects such as consultation with stakeholders, including local communities and safeguarding bodies, and emphasizes the importance of minimizing visual impact. The code also outlines the types of planning permissions required for different developments, including permitted development, prior approval, and full planning permission, and provides guidance on the necessary information to be submitted with applications.
https://www.rother.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/do-i-need-planning-permission/planning-information/telecommunications/ - Rother District Council provides information on planning permissions for telecommunications infrastructure. The council explains the different types of planning permissions required for various developments, including permitted development rights, prior approval, and full planning permission. It details the procedures for each, including consultation requirements and the factors considered in the decision-making process. The document also highlights recent changes to permitted development rights and the importance of minimizing visual impact, especially in conservation areas and near listed buildings.
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/broadband-companies-and-telegraph-poles/ - The UK Parliament's Commons Library discusses the rules surrounding the installation of telegraph poles as part of broadband networks. It clarifies that broadband companies generally do not need planning permission to install telegraph poles, as they fall under permitted development rights. However, the article notes that while planning permission may not be required, operators must adhere to other statutory duties and obligations, including minimizing visual impact and consulting with local authorities and communities where appropriate.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-government-planning-guidance-digital-telecommunications/pages/4/ - The Scottish Government's planning guidance on digital telecommunications addresses the siting and design factors for wireless network development. It emphasizes the importance of minimizing environmental and visual impacts, suggesting strategies such as placing masts near existing structures, integrating them with trees, and using appropriate coloring. The guidance also discusses the benefits and constraints of mast sharing and highlights the need for careful consideration of local conditions to mitigate adverse effects on the landscape and community.
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/.planning-rules-for-5g-masts-in-england/ - The UK Parliament's Commons Library outlines the planning rules for 5G masts in England. It explains when the installation of a mobile mast requires planning permission, detailing the conditions under which masts are considered permitted development and when prior approval or full planning permission is necessary. The article also covers consultation requirements with local residents and the need for operators to comply with exposure limits on non-ionizing radiation set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative appears to be recent, as it discusses ongoing local protests and the installation of a telecommunications mast, which suggests it is current. However, the specific timeline of some events mentioned isn't detailed, which might indicate it isn't entirely up-to-date.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative includes direct quotes from residents, such as Rita O'Brien and an anonymous resident. However, the earliest known online sources for these quotes could not be verified, which might indicate they are original or not widely reported elsewhere.

Source reliability

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative originates from Gazette Live, a local news outlet. While local news sources can be reliable, they may not always have the same level of scrutiny as major national publications.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The claims regarding the mast installation and community concerns are plausible, given the context of similar issues in other areas. The lack of prior notification and community engagement is a common issue in telecommunications infrastructure development.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative is generally plausible, dealing with common issues related to telecommunications infrastructure. However, the reliability of the source is moderate, and the freshness of the information could be improved. Overall, it passes with a medium level of confidence.

Telecommunications
Ormesby
MBNL
Community activism
Planning regulations