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Although I have already submitted an individual objection, this objection is on behalf of the Ben Jonson House Group, of which I am Chair. We object strongly to the proposal for the following reasons:
- The listed status of the Barbican buildings and Grade 2* listing of the Barbican estate exist to protect them from damaging changes. Residents are subject to very strict controls about permitted alterations both internally and externally. To use a widely acclaimed icon of mid-century architecture as a support for technical equipment is totally at odds with the listing intentions. It would also set a very dangerous precedent regarding any future proposals.
- The fact that the masts will project 3.4 metres above the roofline means that they will be visible across the estate from apartments at the same height or higher. They will be detrimental to the outlook of residents.
- The potential threat to health must not be understated. The lack of conclusive proof that such installations are a health threat should be balanced against the lack of conclusive proof that they are not. In the USA the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends 457 metre setback for wireless infrastructure near schools. The FCC felt there was a strong case for “prudent avoidance” because the development of wireless technology was outpacing research on the health impacts. This applies particularly to 5G. In this case not only are the Golden Lane Campus and the City of London School for Girls closer than recommended, but there are apartments, occupied day and night, as close as 30 metres away.
- The proximity of residential buildings is not referred to in the application, but Ben Jonson House and 5 other Barbican blocks of flats are all located within about 100 metres of the installation. This equates to several hundred flats and large numbers of residents.
- No recognisable public consultation was held prior to submitting this application, in spite of its likely impact.
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