The government has rejected a bid to install a new 5G mast in Harrogate.

CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd, which operates Three Mobile, proposed installing the mast on Park Parade.

It submitted the plan to the former Harrogate Borough Council in November 2022.

The developer said the proposal would help to “improved network coverage and capacity” in the area.

However, the council rejected the plan on the grounds it would be detrimental to the visual amenity of the site.

The telecommunications company took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate and challenged the refusal.

However, in a decision notice, Mr N Teasdale, a planning inspector, rejected the appeal.

He said the proposal on balance would fail to enhance the character of the area and that the company had not demonstrated that the site was the only viable option for the mast.

He said:

“On the basis of the evidence in front of me and my own observations on site, I have found that the proposed development would fail to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area.

“It has not been demonstrated that the appeal site represents the only viable option.

“Therefore, notwithstanding the need to upgrade the network and assist the government’s digital connectivity vision along with the associated benefits, the harm that would arise from the siting and appearance of the development would not be outweighed by the overall need in this location.”

Read more:

• Telecommunications firm appeals Harrogate 5G mast refusal
• Government rejects plan for 20-metre 5G mast overlooking the Stray

The decision is the latest refusal for a 5G mast installation in Harrogate.

In September 2023, a government planning inspector rejected a bid to erect a 20-metre high 5G mast overlooking the Stray.

The proposal was also submitted by CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd.

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”.

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”.

Read more:

• Telecommunications firm appeals Harrogate 5G mast refusal
• Harrogate bonfire to return to the Stray this year