PLANS to site a 5G telecommunications mast the height of four double decker buses at the ‘main tourist route’ into Skipton has sparked a growing flood of opposition.

Hutchison 3G UK has submitted a ‘prior approval notification’ - part of permitted development legislation - to Craven District Council for an 18m, just under 60ft, monopole with ‘wraparound’ cabinet in Gargrave Road, almost directly opposite the war memorial garden at the entrance to Aireville Park.

It is now up to council planning officers to decide whether parts of the proposals, siting and appearance, are acceptable before work can start. Officers can also insist that a full planning application is submitted, which could end up being decided by councillors.

A petition of residents in the area around Gargrave Road has already been signed by about 120 people, while more than 20 people have put in objection comments on the council planning application website.

WHP Telecoms, for Hutchison, in its submission to the council, says that Hutchison benefits from permitted development rights for the mast and has submitted the application following discussions with the planning department.

“The location has been identified as being necessary for H3G Ltd business development and meets its specific technical and operational requirements. The identification of this location follows pre- application discussion with your Department and we now make a formal application to you as planning authority.”

But residents and councillors say the site is far from appropriate and as well as objecting to the council, have contacted individual town and district councillors with their concerns.

A spokesperson for the objectors said as well as the site being an important entrance to the town, there was also the nearby war memorial garden.

“The pole would be grossly visually intrusive. The site on a public footway is in a residential area adjacent to Aireville Park and war memorial. The park entrance and mini roundabout where it is proposed is a main tourist route into the town, reducing the attraction of the town to our visitors, and it would also detract from the peace and solemnity of the well maintained war memorial.”

The monopole would also be higher than nearby houses and trees, while there would be an increase in ‘street clutter’.

The spokesperson added: “It is clear that the siting and the appearance of the proposed pole is not acceptable. The harm to residents in the areas surrounding the installation would be simply unacceptable, damaging the amenity value of homes and causing harm to the character of the area. The pole would not visually integrate with the surrounding street lighting and would appear as a stark and dominant feature being unduly visually prominent in the skyline.

“It is understood that 5G frequencies do not travel as far as other frequencies which strongly suggests that if the development goes ahead it will set a precedent for the proliferation of 18m high and extremely visually intrusive monopoles in residential areas throughout the area.”

Skipton councillor Robert Heseltine, a member of the planning committee, said it was a sensitive site with visual and listed building implications.“This is a sensitive issue and a very sensitive site, it would be better going through the democratic process."

Fellow Skipton councillor Andy Solloway said there were far better places to site the monopole, such as the former Computershare building, Gateway House, at the top of Gargrave Road.

"Ten years ago or so, the Rotary Club wanted to put some Welcome to Skipton signs up on the roads into town. Local Highways put all kinds of conditions and restrictions on the location of these, citing visibility, driver distraction, proximity to roundabouts and pedestrian crossings and also mowing of visibility splays.

"Fast forward to now and suddenly they have no concerns about an 18 metre mast and cabinet next to a mini roundabout, near a school and a well used park in an area that needs mowing because it’s next to a junction on one of the main roads into Skipton."