Hated plans that would ‘ruin’ iconic view of Edinburgh Castle SCRAPPED after furious backlash
Plans to erect a 5G communications mast at the heart of the most photographed view of Edinburgh Castle have been scrapped.
An application has been submitted to City Council for the construction of the huge 60-foot structure on Johnston Terrace, which runs below the castle.
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Mobile operator Three UK had claimed the mast was “vital” to the provision of services and would not spoil the view.
But 160 angry local residents protested the plans, insisting the view of the castle would be spoiled by the mast’s construction.
It has now emerged that the plans for the pylon have been withdrawn and will no longer be presented to Edinburgh City Council planners.
Three are working with the city council to find a “suitable” location for the pole.
The planned location of the mast at Johnston Terrace was at the top of Granny’s Green Steps.
City tours stop in the Grassmarket area to allow tourists to snap photos of the historic landmark.
Historic Environment Scotland, which owns the castle, said it had not been consulted about the proposed pylon.
In a letter of objection to the council, a local resident said: “I strongly oppose this pole in a World Heritage Centre.”
“If the city council allows this, they will ruin our city even more than they already have.”
Another wrote: “The proposed site for this mast with its six antennas and four cabinets will clearly be an eyesore given its close proximity to these important listed buildings including the castle.”
“It is in the Old Town Conservation Area and the Edinburgh World Heritage Site.”
A third added: “This should never be allowed, especially in a UNESCO protected area, and detract from the famous, well-photographed views.”
“This huge industrial-scale installation of a 5G monopoly and associated cabinets is abhorrent and unsettling to many people, causing anxiety and stress.”
“This will be inconsistent with the character of the area and impact the quality of the area and tourist appreciation.”
A spokesman for Three said: “The rollout of 5G is vital for residents, visitors and businesses in central Edinburgh.
“We want to offer a great networking experience in the region and our planners decided that a new location was needed to do that.”
“Following a review, we withdrew our application and are working with the city planning team to find a suitable site for the pole.”
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