Oppose the installation of 5G masts at Sydenham School

Oppose the installation of 5G masts at Sydenham School

The Issue

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the installation of a 5G mast with 6 antennae on the roof of Sydenham School. We believe this could pose risks to the health and wellbeing of our children and our wider community.

Our concerns include:

  1. Potential health risks: While there is ongoing debate  about the effects of 5G radiation, we believe it is prudent to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to our children.
  2. Environmental impact:  This could have negative environmental consequences such as increased energy consumption and potential disruption to wildlife.
  3. Visual impact: The mast would significantly alter the aesthetic appeal of the school grounds and surrounding neighbourhood.
  4. Educational disruption: Construction and maintenance may disrupt the learning environment for students.

We urge the mobile operator and Lewisham council to carefully consider these concerns and not proceed with the installation. We believe there are alternative solutions that do not involve compromising the well being of our community. We call upon Lewisham to prioritize the wellbeing of our children and reflects the best interests of the community.

 

 

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Veronique ChenuPetition Starter
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1,748

The Issue

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the installation of a 5G mast with 6 antennae on the roof of Sydenham School. We believe this could pose risks to the health and wellbeing of our children and our wider community.

Our concerns include:

  1. Potential health risks: While there is ongoing debate  about the effects of 5G radiation, we believe it is prudent to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to our children.
  2. Environmental impact:  This could have negative environmental consequences such as increased energy consumption and potential disruption to wildlife.
  3. Visual impact: The mast would significantly alter the aesthetic appeal of the school grounds and surrounding neighbourhood.
  4. Educational disruption: Construction and maintenance may disrupt the learning environment for students.

We urge the mobile operator and Lewisham council to carefully consider these concerns and not proceed with the installation. We believe there are alternative solutions that do not involve compromising the well being of our community. We call upon Lewisham to prioritize the wellbeing of our children and reflects the best interests of the community.

 

 

avatar of the starter
Veronique ChenuPetition Starter
Media enquiries

The Decision Makers

Lewisham Council
Lewisham Council
Responded
“We understand the concerns raised by the community. The installation of telecommunications equipment is governed by the Electronic Communications Code 2017, which establishes a national framework for expanding and maintaining telecommunications networks. Under this framework, telecommunications operators are given significant rights to install equipment on sites they consider suitable, limiting the ability of landowners, including local authorities, to refuse installations unless very specific legal grounds apply, which by our assessment do not exist in this case. ie we are intending and have fully realised plan to develop the rooftop further. Timeline of Events In January 2023, Mitie, acting on behalf of Cornerstone, expressed interest in using the school as a potential site. Following this, preliminary surveys were conducted, including the installation of an ammeter in May 2024. By August 2024, Cornerstone confirmed the school as a preferred site, despite objections raised by the school’s leadership team from the outset. Legal Context Under the Electronic Communications Code, objections to an installation can only be made on narrow grounds, such as demonstrating a “settled intention” to develop the site in a way incompatible with the proposed equipment. If the freeholder, in this case Lewisham Council, refuses without valid justification, the operator can issue formal notices and ultimately seek a court order compelling the agreement. Further, telecommunications operators benefit from permitted development rights under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (GDPO). These rights allow operators to notify the Local Planning Authority of the location and nature of the proposed works. However, this is a notification process, not a request for planning permission or public consultation, as permission is not required for such installations. Key Points 1. Operators’ Rights: Operators can enforce installation through legal mechanisms if a freeholder refuses to agree to terms without valid grounds. 2. Grounds for Refusal: The Council can only refuse an installation if it can provide evidence of a firm redevelopment plan incompatible with the proposed equipment. Without such evidence, any refusal is highly likely to be overturned by the courts, potentially incurring legal costs. 3. Public Consultation: As the works fall under permitted development rights, there is no legal obligation for public consultation or planning permission. 4. Safety and Oversight: The Council will ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and work to safeguard the school and its community. We understand how concerning this situation may feel and acknowledge the frustrations of being unable to directly influence this process. As a matter of common practice, Lewisham Council defer operational management of schools and their estate widely to local school leadership teams. However, the Council is bound by national legislation and must operate within its legal framework. We also appreciate that this site, as a school, has additional sensitivities and we will be asking for the operator to reassure the school community that the highest level of precautions are undertaken. Despite these constraints, we are committed to advocating for the community’s interests wherever possible and exploring avenues for further engagement. In doing so, we will continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of the school and its community, ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and calling for further clarity to be given to the school community as to the safety of the technology. We hope this explanation provides some clarity, and we remain available should you require further information.”
Sydenham School
Sydenham School

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Petition created on 5 November 2024