4G antennas near homes in France spark legal and planning disputes

Data from the French authority responsible for France’s mobile phone frequencies indicate that there were 3,760 approvals for 4G antennas outstanding at the beginning of April, suggesting there could be more instances of masts installed near local homes.

Figures from the Agence Nationale des Fréquences show there were 64,326 4G antenna sites in operation across the country, with approval already granted for a further 3,760.

Not every new antenna installation requires a new mast, as operators sometimes reach agreements to share infrastructure – some of the 4G antennas may be replaced as France continues to phase out its 2G mobile network.

However, reports in the French media of people discovering large mobile phone masts erected near their properties are increasing.

France Télévisions recently reported on cases both in the Manche department, in a village near Coutances where a retired teacher is contesting a mast just 38 metres from her home, and in Bordeaux, where a young couple already within 50 metres of a mast, have further discovered plans for another just 30 metres away.

In 2024 The Connexion reported on a couple living in the hills above Nice who were unable to sell their house as a new mast providing 5G coverage was installed five metres from their property. 

A Lille-based lawyer specialising in the issue, Louise Dubois-Catty, said that applications for masts must comply with the rules set out in each commune’s Plans Locaux d’Urbanisme, and usually require at least a déclaration préalable (for masts less than 12 metres high) or full permis de construire for larger structures.

“The mayors play a key role, informing the population and checking that the plans meet local regulations,” she said.

However, in the case near Nice and those reported by French television, mayors did not inform residents living near the masts. They supported the new installations after being told by mobile operators that they were necessary for coverage in the commune.

Operators are required to inform residents, but may do so by placing an information file in the mairie – there is no obligation for in-person visits to explain the project.

How to oppose a 4G mast

For those wishing to oppose a decision, Maître Dubois-Catty recommends a four-stage process: first identifying the relevant authority, usually the maire; then sending a detailed letter setting out objections; taking part in a public enquiry, if one is held; and forming or joining a local association to build support.

If a satisfactory outcome is not reached, you can then launch either ‘friendly’ recours gracieux to the authority that issued the decision (for example, the mayor or the prefect, depending on the case), or a full legal challenge, a recours contentieux.

In theory a recours gracieux can be done without a lawyer, while a recours contentieux requires a lawyer to handle the case.

The case against having the mast so close to a property may also be strengthened if an official environmental impact report is prepared, as this can demonstrate that it would alter the character of the neighbourhood.

Suggesting an alternative site for the mast can also strengthen a case, although this may be opposed by the neighbour hosting the mast, as they would lose income promised by mobile operators.