Plans have been launched to construct a 19m high 5G telecommunications installation at a spot in Breightmet.

The proposal has been submitted by CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd for an area on New Lane.

Numerous poles have appeared in Bolton in recent months which did not require approval by the local authority, prompting many objections from residents.

However this application has been sent to determine whether the prior approval of the council will be needed.

The mast would be located on the footway and would have a 19m streetpole as well as antennas, ground-based apparatus as well as an ancillary development.

In a letter submitted as part of the application the developers vowed to work with the local authority.

They said: “We would like to assist the local planning authority and would like to offer to arrange a presentation or meeting with your officers and members to discuss the issues if appropriate.

“We are committed to maintaining a positive relationship with all local planning authorities and we would be happy to provide any reasonably additional information in relation to this applicant.”

As part of the application, a document from The Institution of Engineering and Technology addressed concerns about the impact of 5G on health.

It said: “Some people have expressed concern that a large number of 5G cells may increase a person’s exposure to radio waves.

“However, that is not the way cellular mobile networks work. “Every time a new mast or small cell is added, the distance the signal has to travel reduces.

“Therefore, from the laws of physics, the power needed at the smartphone and base station for a reliable connection is much less.”

It added: “5G is just as safe as 4G, 3G and GSM.

“Small 5G base stations in our towns and cities will allow improved network coverage.

“They will reduce radio wave exposure to individual smartphone users and improve local 5G capacity for all manner of useful bandwidth hungry applications.

“A good 5G fibre base local broadband infrastructure will be important to local communities over the coming decades in view of the ever-increasing amounts of data being consumed by the general public.”