Residents object to 'ridiculous' plans Wi-Fi masts on Sussex beach

A planning application has been submitted for the erection of three six-metre-high masts to provide free public Wi-Fi on Selsey seafront.

Claire Byrne, 44, lives near the green that the proposal has been submitted for and has opposed the plans.

She said: “I just think it’s completely ridiculous. Who needs more Wi-Fi when the government is trying to push for less screen time?

“The advice is do not use public Wi-Fi because of its dangers. It’s a complete waste of public resources.

“I can see the green from my house, I see people walking their dogs on there, playing with their kids all the time.

“I’m also worried about the development as we have a lot of bats and wildlife. They’re going to dig up the green, we also don’t have any extra parking.

“It’s a beautiful public space with no parking. It’s for walkers. There is no sense in it.”

READ MORE: Plans for 42 flats on Sussex seafront rejected by council

The application has received 16 objections from the public and one comment of support.

Residents have sited objections such as health fears and the visual impact on the seafront (Image: Claire Byrne)

Other objections cite issues such as being of “no use to Kingsway residents”, fears of health implications and environmental impacts and the visual impact on the landscape.

One woman who has lived in Selsey for 20 years submitted a letter to Chichester District Council about the proposal, asking them to look into public health and safety concerns she has raised.

She said: “I am opposed to this two-year pilot project. My concern is for public safety due to the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiation which will be emitted from these columns.

“EMFs and radiation have and continue to be scientifically studied in multiple countries by large numbers of world-renowned experts with thousands of published papers, documenting their research, experiments, results, conclusions and opinions.

“I am not a scientist, however it is clear EMFs and radiation transmitted by wireless devices and masts or poles are a massive human and environment safety concern.

The three masts could be built on the green space adjacent to the lifeboat station (Image: Claire Byrne)

“I am not opposed to innovation and new technology, however it must be first thoroughly and independently researched, trialled and implemented without any risk now or in the future to public safety but unfortunately the overwhelming evidence presented to those in power is being blatantly ignored in the name of post-pandemic economic growth and profit.”

Another woman supporting the application said: “In today's age where people are getting rid of landlines and relying on mobile devices to stay connected for business and pleasure, the availability of open access Wi-Fi is to be welcomed.

“Local mobile signals are unreliable on many networks, so the ability to stay connected for tradesmen, people working on the go, and residents and visitors using our beach and surrounding areas in today's connected world, is a benefit to all.

“To be selected as a pilot area for this is something we should embrace. The masts are the modern-day equivalent of telegraph poles, and one has to wonder if there were detractors when telephones and street lighting first arrived in Selsey.”

The public consultation period is open until September 11.