PLANS for a 5G mast in Ilkley have been given the go-ahead despite widespread objections from local residents.

The application for a 20-metre telecommunications mast proposed for Bolling Road, Ben Rhydding, has been considered by Bradford Council’s planning department who have determined it can now be installed under national permitted development rights.

There had been widespread opposition from local councillors, Ilkley Town Council and residents who had expressed concerns about the mast’s safety and appearance.

A Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “The Government is very keen to extend the 5G network across the UK and the council has very limited planning powers when it comes to phone masts.

“The potential site area of this mast is very restricted and alternatives have been ruled out because they are in high-density residential locations.

“In keeping with planning law, we have determined that the mast can now be installed under national permitted development rights.”

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth (Ind, Ilkley) had said the application “filled her with horror”, but accepted that the telecom service to Ben Rhydding was poor.

She said: “Actually I was given advice at the start that the chances of it being stopped were minimal due to the national agreement.

“However, I did consider residents should make comments and initially I requested that there was a meeting to discuss with residents objecting any other options that might be considered. That was refused.

“I am now wondering if the odd tree might camouflage the aerial. There is the balance and I am also well aware that Ben Rhydding is poorly served at the moment and many cannot receive mobile calls at home and so an improved service will be welcomed by many.”

In making a decision that prior permission is not required, a Bradford Council planning officer said: “The proposed development would result in a degree of harm to the visual amenity of the area, with particular regard to the height of the monopole and, to a lesser extent, the clutter that will be created by the cabinets.

“However, this harm would, on balance, be outweighed by the economic and social benefits that would stem from the proposed upgrade to create a modern, high quality and reliable communications infrastructure that is essential for economic growth and the life of the local community.”

The report adds: “There is no evidence to dispute the applicant’s contention that the siting and appearance of the proposed 20-metre high street pole and associated equipment represent the optimal solution to extending 5G coverage to the target community while minimising visual impacts.

“On balance, it is therefore not proposed to oppose this selected site for the permitted development apparatus, nor its appearance. The recommendation is that prior approval is not required.”

A Three spokesperson previously told the Ilkley Gazette when the application was made: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Bradford. We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.

“Masts needs to be situated where people will be using the service and, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage. We carry out extensive searches and surveys to evaluate all the options. We then choose the option most likely to gain planning approval from the local council. This will include showing we have minimised the impact on residents and the locality. We have also consulted with the school and the local councillors on the mast.

“The 5G rollout by all UK MNOs complies with all global standards on health and safety which have been developed since the early 1990s.”