Statement on the Proposed 5G Mast from the Town Council

The Westgate-on-Sea Town Council is a local authority and as such must operate within the framework provided by central Government.

The Town Council Planning Committee made ‘no comment’ on the original application to site the proposed mast on the Westgate Cricket Club ground on 09:02:2021 as part of the consultee process and can only respond to the information presented by the District Council as the principal planning authority. There is a tight twenty-one-day consultation period that is part of the framework from central Government for decision making and planning performance.

Hindsight is a great tool for blame and regret. In the UK we are still considered a democracy and the Town Council, since 2020 has defended the need for democratic process. Within the timeline from 09:02:2021 to present day there is unbroken evidence, based on recorded fact, that the Town Council has fought for democratic process regarding the issues with the 5G mobile-phone mast and has been vocal against the Government directive of permitted development. It is important to remember that following the initial application only ‘safeguarding’ and access were ever mentioned by those who had concerns for the siting of the mast on the grounds of the Westgate Cricket Club, which serves both the club and St Saviours Church of England Junior School, as a playing field.

Councillors are, in the main, individuals who focus on the good of the town and, through observation and consultation they recognise its needs and the opportunities for improvements which a majority vote implements. Councillors give their time continuously and are supported by a dedicated team of Officers.

The community and its residents are always encouraged to take up their rightful role and engage positively with the Town Council, its Councillors and Officers. However, residents have absolutely no rights to publicly, or directly, disrespect and malign Councillors and Officers in any form whatsoever and the type of attitude exhibited recently is unacceptable and counterproductive. All complaints must follow the proper process set out by legislation, and if anyone has a complaint to make about the Town Council as a whole, or any Councillor or a number of Councillors or the Officers there is a clear and easily accessible formal process to follow, in the correct manner.