4G mast could be installed at Salcombe Regis caravan park

Teligent Telecom is asking for planning permission to remove and replace the current 3G masts at the park and install new 4G masts. The application says that the base and equipment is already at the site to support 4G and is well hidden away from the public with trees and shrubbery.

The application states: "This is for a new 4G capable antennas to replace the existing antennas located on an existing electronic communications base station. The deployment of 4G will use existing 3G networks such as the base station already existing at the application site. As such, the application site is likely to carry different mobile connectivity services in parallel, with high data uses operating through the 4G higher capacity network apparatus subject of this application.

"The radio equipment housing will need to be mechanically ventilated to avoid overheating of equipment. The ventilation equipment is only likely to operate during the day during hot weather. If it is considered specific noise attenuation measures to be necessary, we would be pleased to discuss practicable solutions."

This is part of the UK Government's support for the delivery of 4G and 5G, around the UK and to replace the earlier 3G connectivity with better upgraded 4G networks.

A legal letter has been submitted with the application to combat concerns some people have about 4G masts being linked to an increased risk of cancer. The application says that "the equipment is designed to be in full compliance with the requirements of the radio frequency (RF) public exposure guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), and the EU Council recommendation of 12 July 1999* "on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0 Hz to 300 GHz)" in all areas legitimately accessible to the public."

The application will now be reviewed by East Devon District Council officers before the plans are approved or refused.