Plans for a new 20-metre-high telecoms mast to boost 5G coverage on Wearside have been submitted to council development chiefs.
Sunderland City Council’s planning department has received an application for a site off Essen Way near its roundabout junction with Tunstall Road.
Applicant EE Limited has applied for permission for “the removal of 1no. 15.2m monopole supporting 3no antennas and replacement with 1no. 20m-high monopole with wraparound cabinet, 9no. antennas, installation of 1no. cabinet, plus ancillary development.”
A design, access and supporting statement linked to the planning bid said “no alternative site assessment was conducted given this is an upgrade of an existing established radio base station whereby a telecoms base station has been already considered acceptable”.
It was argued that “the existing site is required to be upgraded to meet the technical requirements to provide the area with improved and enhanced coverage and connectivity offering 5G to the surrounding area”.
Developers said a “replacement monopole with a height increase will be required and the design has been carefully considered to be as minimal in terms of visual impact while achieving the technical requirements”.
The design, access and supporting statement submitted with the plans noted the proposed site for the telecoms upgrade is in an “area characterised as predominantly residential”.
However, it was also noted that “as Essen Way is a nominated B-class road (B1405), appropriate setbacks and landscape buffers exist providing separation from the adjoining residential properties”.
Applicants said that the “proposed streetworks pole structure will be of a similar appearance to the existing street lighting columns in the area” and would “not result in a prominent, or alien feature which would detract from the existing streetscape”.
Those behind the telecoms mast plans said the “specific mast design is often utilised in residential areas to meet the specific visual requirements of the local area” and that “the overall design of the streetworks street pole have been kept to a minimum to ensure that any visual impact is reduced where practicable, the antennas are structurally stable, and that improved network coverage is provided to the local area”.
Planning documents also confirmed that the “proposed mast will not only service voice calls but will include provision for 3G and 4G”, as well as providing coverage for emergency services and 5G coverage.
The design, access and supporting statement adds: “It is considered that the proposed development is wholly appropriate for the local area, and that the economic, environmental and social benefits which will be brought forward by the proposal will greatly outweigh any visual impact that may be caused by the upgrade of the existing base station.”
A decision on the planning application is expected following a council consultation exercise.
Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website lists a decision deadline of 17 December, 2025.
For more information on the plan, or to track its progress, visit the council’s planning portal website and search reference: 25/02483/TEX
