A new 5G mast could be installed near a High Wycombe school – and some parents and neighbours are not happy.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd wants to install a 5G telecommunications pole and three equipment cabinets on the grass verge close to the staff car park and playing field of Royal Grammar School on Hamilton Road.

The company says it is “committed to providing improved network coverage and capacity”, which has become particularly important to people since the Covid-19 pandemic started and many people switched to home working.

But not everyone is pleased with the plans for the mast – with one parent going so far as to say they will withdraw their son from Royal Grammar School if the plans go ahead because of health fears.

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Satnam Sandhu said the technology is “dangerous” and there is “no need to deploy” it so close to a school.

But fears that 5G is harmful has been debunked by independent scientific reviews, with research finding that radio signal exposure characteristics of 5G are similar to those of existing mobile technologies already in use.

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) both say there is “no convincing evidence of adverse health effects at exposure below guideline levels”.

Hamilton Road resident Nick Lambert also raised health concerns, but also said the corner where the mast is planned is “very busy and treacherous” already, particularly at pick-up and drop-off times for the school.

He said: “We already have some inconsiderate parents ignoring the obvious 'no stopping' signs, as well as dozens of boys crossing the road, and this will add to the hazards and obstructions already being navigated.

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“5G in this area will be a welcome improvement to the current poor service and a suitably sited mast is needed - just not where this one is being considered.”

Another objector said the mast will be an “eyesore” in the street scene if it goes ahead.

Tara Morris wrote: “The design and appearance is strikingly at odds with the character of its surrounding and the commanding red-brick building in the Queen Anne style of the RGS, this will detract from efforts being made to enhance this part of High Wycombe which is on the edge of the conservation area.”

She added: “The location suggested for the mast would have a negative impact on residents, school attendees and both pedestrian and drivers at the busy/treacherous corner for the drop off and pick up times of the school causing a potentially dangerous distraction.”

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Not everyone is against the plans for another 5G mast though.

Richard May, who also lives on the same road, said: “It is important we develop the infrastructure for high-speed communication, objectors are using objections that have been voiced since the beginning of mobile communication which are totally unfounded and misguided.

“It has been proved many times there are no health issues associated with cellular masts.”

See the full details of the application using the reference 22/06650/PNP16A on the Buckinghamshire Council planning portal.