PLANS to install a 20 metre tall phone mast in front of Bradford's National Science and Media Museum have been withdrawn after conservation officers raised concerns.

Telecoms company H3G (Three) announced plans to install a 5G mast on Princes Way, a just yards from the statue of J.B. Priestley.

As well as the mast there would be a built-in cabinet, three separate cabinets and ancillary works.

The company said the mast is needed to fill a 5G "coverage hole" in the city centre.

But yesterday the company withdrew the plans following calls to move the mast to a less prominent position.

Conservation officer S Campbell said: "It is proposed to be sited near several Conservation Areas and within the setting of Grade II listed buildings the Alhambra Theatre, war memorial, Queen Victoria Memorial and Glyde House.

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"The proposal will be visually detrimental to the appearance and setting of these Conservation Areas and listed buildings.

"This site is close to important public realm at Centenary Square and the frontage and setting of the Science and Media Museum. Bradford has relatively few quality landscaped public open spaces so the setting of these need to be protected.

"The height at 20 metres, width and number of antenna on the structure will create visual clutter that will detract from the attractive public realm, nearby listed buildings/structures, historic townscape and the setting of the Conservation Areas.

"New proposals should not interfere with key views in the city centre. It is considered that this 20-metre high structure with attachments will be detrimental to views towards the city centre, Centenary Square, City Hall and views from those sites out of the city centre.

"I request that it is re-sited to a less prominent site away from Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings and important public realm.

"It is considered that the harm outweighs the public benefit in this case."