Plans to install a 5G ready mast in Wellington have been withdrawn after some residents, including the headmaster of Wellington School, expressed safety concerns.

Headmaster Eugene du Toit attended a meeting of Wellington Town Council, where he highlighted what he believed was the potential of risk to children associated with the new mast. He said: “To have this mast in a conservation area will compromise values of properties, a sense of place and there would also be a potential impact on health

“There is a risk to Wellington if this is put up within a stone’s throw from schools.”

Mr du Toit suggested there were industrial parks in the Wellington area – away from homes and schools – which could be used for the new mast.

The plans were subsequently recommended for refusal by Wellington Town Council, not on the basis of 'health risks' but because it would damage the look and feel of the area. Parish Clerk Dave Farrow reported the council opposed the plans because:

"It is not appropriate for the location of the current mast. It will be overbearing on nearby residential, commercial, and school properties. It will be visible from the Town Centre and will have a detrimental impact on the visual outlook of the Conservation Area."

The decision ultimately rests with Somerset Council - but the plans have been withdrawn before officials were able to come to a decision. It is not clear why the plans were withdrawn.

The withdrawal will slow the move toward a full rollout of 5G across the town. Also known as the 5th generation mobile network, 5G is the latest standard for wireless communications. It is more reliable, can deliver higher speeds and reduces latency.

Cornerstone Telecommunications was seeking permission to replace an 11.6 metre high mast on Scott's Lane, with a 22.3 metre tall 5G ready mast.

Addressing concerns over the impact of 5G, a spokesperson for Cornerstone said its masts are fully compliant with public exposure guidelines, which are backed by the UK government, the European Union and the World Health Organisation.

In November 2022 the government established a target of achieving 5G coverage across all the UK's populated areas by 2030. In April the government unveiled a fresh £150 million package to accelerate the rollout.