A 5G MAST could be constructed near a busy road in Morningside after a planning application was submitted by a large telecommunications infrastructure firm.
Cornerstone has submitted an application to erect a 20-metre-tall telecoms mast near the bottom of Morningside Road, the busy thoroughfare which cuts through the suburb.
The plans submitted by the telecoms giant were initially deemed to be invalid by the City of Edinburgh Council, making it invisible for the public.
The issue has drawn the attention of local Labour MSP Daniel Johnson, who has communicated with Edinburgh Council to make sense of the situation.
Following a back and forth with the council, he was told that they were looking into the issue.
Evidently, the issue has now been resolved, as the planning application has reappeared for public viewing on the council website.
The application itself states plans for a 20-metre-tall monopole mast with six antennas, three cabinets, and all ancillary developments.
Cornerstone has said, in supplementary information attached to the planning application, that the proposed location is the most suitable for “technical requirements” involved in upgrading Edinburgh and the UK’s 5G network.
In its planning application, the company also laid out a pledge to consult extensively with local planning authorities, stakeholders, and the public.
The plans are brand new – only being validated on Tuesday – and nothing has yet been decided, but Cornerstone – a joint venture between mobile phone operators Telefonica and Vodafone – appears committed to pressing ahead.
In a supporting document to the planning application, the company said: “The proposed development has been identified as the most suitable site and design option for the technical requirement that has been outlined in the supporting information.
“The proposal balances operational need with both local and national planning policy guidance and will deliver public benefit in terms of the mobile services it will provide.”
Cornerstone is proposing to install the mast on the corner of Cluny Avenue and Morningside Road.
It also appears to be expecting some local pushback to the plans, saying: “A ward councillor has responded to highlight likely opposition from local community and raise other concerns including proliferation of masts and reduction of usable footway.”
Cornerstone already jointly operates a 15-metre-tall telecoms mast on the nearby Balcarres Street, which currently supplies the area, but says that it is not possible to upgrade the current infrastructure.
Cornerstone claimed: “It is not possible to upgrade this site to provide 5G compatible multigenerational solutions for these two operators without significant redevelopment and a departure from a street furniture style design.
“The dynamic nature of technological advances in the telecommunications industry coupled with ever increasing demand from subscribers dictates a continual reinvestment programme on the part of licenced operators and as a result, and in line with their licence requirements, companies such as Cornerstone are constantly developing, refining and modernising mobile network infrastructure.”
The company says that proactive investment in its network will ensure increased connectivity for Edinburgh residents and bring economic benefits for the region.
Cornerstone has been approached for comment.
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