A TWENTY-METRE high 5G mast near to an industrial estate can go ahead, council planners have said.

Mobile phone giant EE sent in a planning application for a mast on a grass verge at Haydock Lane, Haydock.

In the plans, a design and access statement drawn up on behalf of EE by agents Telent Technology Services Limited said: “At present, there is an existing site located on the roof of the Old Water Tower (Old Boston Trading Estate, Kilbuck Lane, Haydock) that provides sufficient network coverage to the area, however, due to the structural capabilities of the redundant water tower, along with the landlord looking to redevelop in the future, the site is unable to be upgraded.

“Therefore, the existing apparatus is to be removed and consequently replacement site(s) are required in order to maintain and subsequently improve coverage to this area”.

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It added: “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.

“This specific mast design is often utilised in commercial/industrial areas to meet the visual requirements of the local area. The height of the proposal, and the overall design of the streetpole, has been kept to a minimum to ensure that any visual impact is reduced where practicable, whilst ensuring that improved network coverage is provided to the local area.”

The mast will include provision for 3G/4G and new 5G data use.

The plans added: “Mobile communications plays a significant role in sustainable development.

"Being able to access the internet via a mobile device allows people to access a wide range of central and local government services, buy groceries, manage finances, apply for jobs/university and carry out school projects, send emails, download applications, send and receive instant messages, streaming and downloading data to name just a few of the benefits of being able to use an internet enabled handheld device.”

Case officer Alex Ball said in a report: "The applicant has advised that the proposed development would provide the necessary requirement to upgrade the EE network to provide improved coverage and capacity most notably in relation to 5G services.

"I note that several alternative sites have been explored and subsequently discounted as part of a site selection process."

This added: "Based on 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."

Council planners ruled that prior approval is not required and therefore the mast can go ahead.

Meanwhile, plans for a mast nearby at Millfield Lane were also recently approved.