A planning appeal has been launched after a proposed 5G mast in Welwyn Garden City was rejected.

CK Hutchison Networks, better known as the mobile provider Three, proposed the plans for a 16m street pole and additional equipment cabinets in Knightsfield in November last year.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council rejected the application in January after a number of residents objected, citing restricted footpath access and the street scene being ruined.

But, the appeal could reverse that decision.

"In this location, existing mast sites are not capable of supporting additional equipment compliment to extend coverage reach across the target area and prospective in-fill mast sites are extremely limited," read a planning statement.

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"There is an acute need for a new base station to provide effective service coverage and in this case, the height of the proposed street pole is the minimum required to bring the benefits of 5G to this area.

"The proposed site option is considered the best available compromise between extending 5G service across the target coverage hole with the selected street works pole height and associated antenna and ground-based cabinets restricted to the minimum height which is capable of providing the required essential coverage."

To read the application in full, visit planning.welhat.gov.uk/Planning/Display/6/2022/2659/PN15.