A government inspector has rejected a bid to erect a 20-metre high 5G mast overlooking the Stray in Harrogate.
The inspector acknowledged the mast would boost poor 5G coverage in Harrogate but ruled it would also be “a conspicuous and intrusive feature in the surrounding area”.
CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, which operates Three Mobile, wanted to build the mast at Granby Park, which is adjacent to the Stray by Skipton Road.
The now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council rejected the plan because of concerns about its visual impact not only on the Stray but also on Skipton Road and Claro Road in February.
CK Hutchison Networks took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which adjudicates on disputes.
It argued the mast would not have a detrimental impact on the street scene and the 20 metre height was the “absolute minimum height which can be deployed to bring the benefits of 5G”.
But in a judgement published yesterday, inspector F Harrison said the mast would be “starkly incongruous” and “an intrusive feature in the surrounding area”.
The inspector added:
“I am not satisfied that alternative sites have been properly explored.”
Read more:
- Telecommunications firm appeals Harrogate 5G mast refusal
- Harrogate bonfire to return to the Stray this year
