Fairly unusual to see LED on concrete columns...I agree, especially if the spacing / mounting heights may not suit the lantern optics. Although my camera gives an artificially bright aspect to the street, light distribution is probably no worse (or better) than with the Beta 5s. Actually, the CU columns although having been up for a long time (they replaced the original gas columns) do seem to be in good condition with no spalling evident.
It might simply be that the budget for the works, was designed to achieve energy savings and an improvement in light quality within a reasonable payback period. In practice, galv' steel columns will cost more to maintain than concrete, especially in Trafford where every column gets its coat of black gloss paint.
In some respects, an LED lantern on a concrete column is the pinnacle of what any local authority would want to achieve - maintenance free streetlighting!
Perhaps a rebirth for the Crompton Concept could be on the cards soon.