THE council has ruled that a 20-metre high mast on a grassed area to enable EE customers to access 5G can be installed.

Proposals which sought prior approval for the mast and associated equipment on a grass verge at Millfield Lane, Haydock, were sent to council planners in May.

A design and access statement in the plans, drawn up by Telent Technology Services, on behalf of EE, stated: “The site is located within a predominantly industrial area, with the existing industrial/commercial buildings and yards surrounding the site providing a utilitarian context for the proposed development, allowing it to assimilate with the character of the area at ease.

It said “the proposed structure will be of similar appearance to the existing streetlighting columns” and that “the existing telecommunications infrastructure within the industrial estate sets precedent for this type of infrastructure in this locale”.

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It added: “The proposed mast will not only service voice calls but will include provision for 3G/4G and new 5G data use. As you may be aware, EE have been awarded the contract to provide network services to the Emergency Services, and as such this site is required to provide coverage for all the blue light services.

“The proposed new mast will not only service voice calls but will include provision for 3G/4G and newly developed 5G data use which will be of great benefit to all users of the network.”

Plans claimed the “proposal would not give rise to any amenity issues given the distance from any residential properties”.

They added: “Mobile connectivity is essential to the future success of the economy. The combined value of 4G and 5G mobile connectivity is estimated to add £18.5bn to the economy by 2026

“Without this upgraded radio base station 5G will not be rolled out in the area.

“Overall, it is clear that the proposal would be consistent with the sequential approach for maintaining telecommunications infrastructure and support the overarching principles of supporting high-quality communication networks.”

St Helens Council planners ]have ruled that prior approval for the mast is not required, and installation can therefore go ahead.

Case officer Alex Ball said in a report: "Overall, the proposed development is acceptable and designed to ensure that the impact of the equipment will not result in a visually obtrusive structure."

They added: "It has been identified that this site is the most appropriate and will provide the required level of coverage to the target area. It is advised that the type of structure proposed is also capable of being shared if required by another operator.

"On the basis of the information provided with this enquiry, together with local and national policy for the growth of communications infrastructure, I find that the proposed development offers material benefits in terms of the improvement of communications technology for the wider area."

Meanwhile, as reported by the Star EE has also submitted plans for another 20m mast at Haydock Lane which is yet to be decided on by council planners.