The installation deemed essential of a 5G antenna in a Vendée town was suspended by the courts, vindicating the residents who opposed it. But the matter is not over.
Many municipalities are opposed to the installation of a 5G antenna on their territory for various reasons, often citing environmental, public health or even aesthetic issues. But in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, in Vendée, residents used the economic argument to prevent the launch of a project promised to Totem, an infrastructure subsidiary of the operator Orange. In this affair, it was above all the behavior of the mayor which was somewhat surprising.
The mayor authorized the installation of the 5G antenna, before opposing it
The Nantes administrative court decided to suspend, in a decision of April 17, 2024, the installation. A victory therefore for residents opposed to the 5G antenna project, who consider having lost a lot of time in this matter.
The height of the story is that the mayor of the town, Maxence de Rugy, first authorized the installation of the 5G antenna and the work, before demonstrating alongside his constituents on January 19. , to let them know they understand their approach.
The day of the demonstration, symbolized by a banner “ No to the 5G pylon », the councilor of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire bluntly assured residents that the 5G antenna would not take root in the town. Blessed bread for the lawyer of the revolted inhabitants, Maître Geoffrey de Baynast, who discovered the photo among our colleagues from West France.
The 5G antenna would be essential to the municipality’s network
Although they initially tried to make the mayor listen to reason, the residents ultimately decided to go to the administrative court to have the building permit canceled, with success. Faced with the mayor’s ambiguous behavior, there was no need to procrastinate any longer.
And because this story is decidedly incredible, even after its epilogue, the mayor requested the rejection of the residents’ requests before the administrative judge, before declaring himself satisfied with the verdict, which is nevertheless unfavorable to him.
Later, the first magistrate of the commune will explain that he could not refuse a building permit, even if he basically agreed with the citizens. However, the mayor had the possibility of opposing it. On the other hand, Totem was, after receiving authorization, within its right to build the antenna. For the record, the installation of an antenna is still under study, because the town still suffers from network problems. Holy mayor, no doubt he wanted to please everyone!
Source : West France
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