Virgin Media and O2 have applied to construct the telecommunications mast and associated base station on land within the site of Big Yellow Self Storage Bromley at 12 Farwig Lane.
Both of the telecom giants are hoping that installation of the new mast will provide greater mobile connectivity to people in the area, but residents are concerned that close proximity to the 5G tower could have long term negative impacts on their health.
The application was acknowledged by Bromley Council on April 22 and it has received eight objections since then. A decision will be made in due course.
One objector said: “The proximity of this installation raises serious concerns regarding the potential long-term health effects associated with continuous exposure to electromagnetic radiation, mainly for children.”
Another commented: “I am also deeply concerned about the potential health implications of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by the telecommunications equipment.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified radiofrequency EMFs as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ based on limited evidence suggesting an association with certain types of brain cancer.
“Although the overall scientific evidence remains inconclusive, there is a growing body of research suggesting potential risks to human health, particularly from long-term exposure to EMFs.”
A document included in the planning application discusses the health concerns surrounding 5G.
It contains a quote from Ofcom: “All frequencies that are currently and will in future be used for 5G fall within the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes radiation which is classed as non-ionising. This means that these radio waves do not carry enough energy to directly damage cells.
“This is different from ‘ionising’ radiation, which is generally considered to be hazardous to humans and includes gamma (nuclear) radiation as well as x-rays, which occur at the higher frequency end of the electromagnetic spectrum.”
The same document also states that the WHO, as well as several other public health agencies, believe that no dangers to health have been established from exposure to the low-level radio signals used for mobile communications, including 5G.
Other concerns raised by objectors include the impact the 22-metre tall mast could have on its surroundings.
One resident stated: “The proposed mast location would ruin the look and feel of the area.
“We understand the need for it, but this type of construction should be moved away from the residential area. There are other more suitable areas nearby, for example places around tennis courts, parks etc where masking and blending it with the surroundings might be easier.”
