Devon County Council considers allowing 5G kit on lampposts

Devon County Council is set to debate a policy change that could bring 5G equipment much closer to homes and schools throughout the region. The proposal would allow mobile network operators to install 5G transmitters on council-owned lampposts and other street furniture for an annual fee of £300-£350 per lamppost.

What's Being Proposed

The council's cabinet will consider a draft policy on Wednesday, July 15th that would permit smaller 5G equipment on lampposts, with the possibility of larger installations on bridges and buildings for significantly higher fees—between £1,750-£7,000 annually. Because Devon County Council owns these structures, it can approve such installations without going through the traditional planning authority process.

This isn't the first time the issue has come up. The proposal was originally raised in 2019 but faced health concerns from residents. A subsequent council review acknowledged that "further research was needed" but stated that current evidence supported "no adverse health effects due to low-level radiofrequency fields used by 5G." For families trying to navigate conflicting information about wireless technology, our guide on common 5G and EMF myths debunked by science provides helpful context.

What This Means for Families

If approved, this policy could significantly increase the number of 5G transmitters in residential neighborhoods throughout Devon. For health-conscious parents and homebuyers concerned about EMF exposure, this represents a potential shift in the electromagnetic environment of their communities. The proximity of these installations to homes—literally on lampposts outside bedroom windows—is a key concern for many families.

The council report emphasizes the economic benefits of improved 5G availability and frames the move as encouraging "commercial investment" in the region. However, parents worried about electromagnetic field exposure may want to understand their options, including whether solutions like EMF shielding paint could provide protection if installations are approved near their homes.

For homebuyers in Devon, this development is worth monitoring closely, as it could affect property values and the EMF profile of neighborhoods you're considering.

Originally reported by BBC