PLANS have been submitted to Somerset Council to determine whether approval is needed to install a 23 metre tall 5G aerial on Sedegmoor's coastline.

Freshwave Facilities Limitied have applied to install the monopole at Haven Burnham Holiday Village, on Marine Drive in Burnham-on-Sea.

The pole itself would stand at 22.5 metres tall, with six additional antenna apertures causing the structure to reach a maximum height of 23.14m.

Although Freshwave Facilities Limited are the official applicants, all of the planning documents contain the Vodafone logo and branding.

According to further documents, the proposed installation of the new aerial aims to resolve the poor service coverage in the local area.

The lack of signal in Burnham-on-Sea, according to the application, is because Vodafone are currently experiencing capacity issues.

The proposed aerial must be of such a great height because 5G radio frequencies are particularly sensitive to solid objects such as trees and buildings.

"A combination of design, topography, and natural man made features should help keep any perceived changes to views and the skyline within acceptable limits," the application reads.

The applicant cited that 5G connectivity could be of benefit to locals' health, with many NHS healthcare services moving to online platforms, as well as virtual GP appointments:

"Trials have shown that connecting ambulance crews to expert resources using 5G allows paramedics to work with doctors and conduct specialist procedures in real time whilst on the road," they added.

Updates to the application can be viewed by searching for the application number 11/23/00094 on the Somerset Council website, and comments will remain open until November 10.

Approval for the tower's construction could be given as early as November 11.

Sedgemoor planning round-up

The following planning applications were submitted to Somerset Council between October 12 and October 20.

Ashcott

01/23/00021: Erection of office/workshop (Use Class E) on site of existing Building G (to be demolished) at The Old Brewery, Little Whitley, Stagman Lane, Ashcott, Bridgwater, TA7 9BJ.

01/23/00025: Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed: Change of use from Commerical (Use Class E) to No. 5 Dwellinghouses (Use Class C3) at Stores, 20 Bath Road, Ashcott, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 9QT.

Berrow

05/23/00011: Erection of 49 dwelling houses (including 20 no. affordable dwellings) with associated access and infrastructure at Land East of, Cavalla Mews, Berrow, Burnham On Sea.

Brent Knoll

07/23/00022: Replacement of a section of existing fence with new wall to the Northern site boundary at Exeter House, Burton Row, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4BX.

07/23/00023: Variation of Condition 2 of Planning Permission 07/21/00021 (Erection of a temporary portakabin.) to extend the use date until 31st January 2026 at Village Green, Brent Street, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, Somerset.

07/23/00027: Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed: Change of Use of Agricultural Buildings to no.1 Dwellinghouse (Use Class C3), and for building operations reasonably necessary for the conversion at Land to the South of, Westbrook farm, Harp Road, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9.

Bridgwater

08/23/00322: Erection of temporary building for storage and distribution of manufactured products, including covered links to existing adjacent buildings at Riverside House, Parrett Way, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5LB.

08/23/00325: Erection of an extension to the rear (S) and side (W) elevation at 11 Palmer Close, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6UU.

08/23/00341: Re-pollard group of Limes (G1) back to previous reduction points. Fell 2No. Ash (T1 & T2). Coppice 2No. Holly (T3 & T4) to allow to regenerate/maintain as shrub. Re-pollard Sycamore (T5) to previous reduction points. Crown lift Western Red Cedar (T6) to 3.5m above ground level by removal of secondary growth, remove crossing branches and reduce height by 4m at St Marys Churchyard, St Mary Street, Bridgwater.

08/23/00342: Reduce 1No. Weeping Willow (T1) back to previous pollard points at 12m (7m crown reduction). Remove stem of 1No. Ash (T4) over roadside. Fell 1No. Rhus (T5). Reduce height of 1No. Beech (T8) by 5m at St Johns Vicarage, Blake Place, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5BA.

Burnham and Highbridge

11/23/00072: Erection of 4no. non- illuminated free standing facia advertisement signs at Land At, Walrow Roundabout, Highbridge.

11/23/00074: Variations of Condition 2 of Planning Permission 11/14/00031 (Variation of condition 2 of Planning Permission 11/13/00089 to substitute revised plans for changed roof design and internal layout.) to amend approved design at 37 Caernarvon Way, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8 2DQ.

11/23/00094: Application to determine if prior approval is required for the proposed installation of a 22.5m monopole supporting 6 no. antenna apertures reaching a maximum height of 23.14m, with ancillary development thereto at Burnham Holiday Village, Marine Drive, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8.

11/23/00095: Single storey rear link extension between dwelling and garage at ABBOTSLEY, 2 Stoddens Road, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8 2NZ.

11/23/00097: Replacement of existing hedges and fences with new entire boundary fence at 59A North Avenue, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3EP.

11/23/00100: Erection of 2no. semi- detached dwellings at Land South of, 2 Grenville Road, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8.

11/23/00105: Replacement of front door and ground floor windows on the West elevation at The Royal Clarence Hotel, The Esplanade, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8 1BQ.

11/23/00111: Re-pollard Willow (T1) (TPO Ref T1) back to previous reduction points at Land to the South of, Brent Broad, Burnham On Sea, Somerset, TA8.

Cannington

13/23/00014: Erection of 3no. non- illuminated free standing facia advertisement signs at Land At, Cannington Bypass Roundabout East, Cannington, Bridgwater.

13/23/00015: Erection of 4no. non- illuminated free standing facia advertisement signs at Land At, Cannington Bypass Roundabout West, Cannington, Bridgwater.

13/23/00020: Demolition of existing garden room, erection of two storey front (South) and side (East) extensions at Woofington House, Blackmore Lane, Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2NF.

13/23/00025: Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed installation of solar photovoltaics (PV) equipment on the roof of a non-domestic building at Main Site, Bridgwater And Taunton College Cannington Campus, Rodway, Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2LS.

13/23/00027: Fell 1No. Oak (T4) (TPO Ref T4). Reduce extended branches of Oak (T5) (TPO Ref T5) to south by up to 3m (1.5m further out than previous reduction) at Oak Trees On Public Open Spaces, Oaktree Way, Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset.

Cheddar

17/23/00083: Pollard Oak (T14) (TPO Ref T14) at approx. 6m (below falling distance to road). Crown lift Oak (T15) (TPO Ref T15) to 4.5m above ground level by removal of secondary growth, reduce extended limbs to south by 3m and remove/stabilise deadwood at Land to the North of, Labourham Way, Labourham Way, Cheddar, Somerset, BS273XJ.

Chedzoy

18/23/00006: Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed erection of a silage clamp and concreted apron at Fowlers Plot Farm, Fowlers Plot Road, Chedzoy, Bridgwater, TA7 8RQ.

Cossington

22/23/00010: Reduce weight of extended branch of Plane (T1) (TPO Ref T1) to provide clearance from overhead power lines by 3-4m (as per photo). Reduce 4No. lateral branches of Lebanon Cedar (T36) (TPO Ref T36) overhanging Manor Road by 3-4m (as per photo) at The Grove, Manor Road, Cossington, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 8JS.

Durleigh

23/23/00009: Reduce upper crown of Common Oak (T1) (TPO Ref G1) by 6m to live sound wood at 7 Skimmerton Lane, Wembdon, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 2AX.

East Brent

24/23/00013: Erection of 1no. dormer to the North elevation at Knoll Edge, Wickham Way, East Brent, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4JB.

24/23/00024: Demolition of (South elevation) porch and erection of an orangery and boundary wall (to replace existing fencing) at Beaconsfield House, Chapel Road, Rooksbridge, Axbridge, Somerset, BS26 2TB.

24/23/00025: Demolition of (South elevation) porch and erection of an orangery and boundary wall (to replace existing fencing) at Beaconsfield House, Chapel Road, Rooksbridge, Axbridge, Somerset, BS26 2TB.

24/23/00028: Variations of condition 2 of Planning Permission 24/22/00006 (Demolition of dwelling and outbuildings, erection of 9no. dwellings with parking, formation of new accesses from Brent Road and associated works.) to amend the positions of plots 4 and 5 at Scots Lawn, Brent Road, East Brent, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4DB.

Middlezoy

34/23/00010: Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposal to change the use of an existing agricultural buildings to a dwellinghouse and associated works at Buildings At, Hollies Farm, Church Road, Middlezoy, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7.

North Petherton

37/23/00087: Erection of an single storey extension to the rear (SE) elevation at 10 Parkfield Close, North Petherton, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6QY.

Othery

38/23/00015: Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposal to change the use of an existing agricultural buildings to 3no. dwellinghouses and associated works at Westfield Farm, Paynes Lane, Othery, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 0QB.

Over Stowey

40/23/00009: Erection of two single storey rear extensions at The Great Barn, Plainsfield Road, Over Stowey, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1HH.

40/23/00011: Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed erection of an agricultural building at Higher Halsey Cross Farm, Radlet Road, Spaxton, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA5 1JA.

49/23/00011: Creation of a new field access and associated works at Land to the North of, Dunkery Road, Dunkery Road, Stone Allerton, Axbridge, Somerset, BS26.

Wedmore

50/23/00088: Change of use from agricultural land to mixed use equestrain and residential, including the erection of rural workers dwelling, horse walker and hard standing, with associated works at Land At Snipefield, Quab Lane, Wedmore, Somerset, BS28.