A new telecoms mast close to a college building which had originally been rejected by Bolton's planning chiefs has now been given the go-ahead.

The mast, proposed for College Way, Bolton, by CK Hutchinson Networks UK  Ltd had initially been refused by Bolton Council in August 2022.

But following an appeal by the developers, the Government's Planning Inspectorate apprved the plan earlier this year,  but did cite concerns about the impact on the surrounding area.

A report by inspector Louise Crosby said: “The main issue is the effect of the siting and appearance of the proposed installation on the character and appearance of the area and, if any harm would occur, whether this is outweighed by the need for the installation to be sited as proposed taking into account any suitable alternatives.”

The Bolton News: The plan had at first been refused by Bolton CouncilThe plan had at first been refused by Bolton Council (Image: CK Hutchinson Ltd)

She added: “Notwithstanding this, I am mindful that it would blend in, to a large degree, with the busy street scene and it would be sited away from residential dwellings.

“Moreover, there is clearly a demonstrable need for such equipment in this area and the search area where it could be located is limited.

“I note that the appellant has considered alternative options, including alterative locations and mast sharing, but that this has not been successful because the required search area is very small.”

The mast will be found close to the college buildings at a busy road network at a height of 16metres.

The pole will be slim, according to the report but will be “highly visible” from the street and appear much taller than other nearby objects.

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It would also include a somewhat bulkier section in the upper section containing the antennae.

But the inspectorate still decided to approve the planned pole based on the apparent need for improved mobile network coverage in the area.

Ms Crosby’s report said: “Drawing together my conclusions, whilst there would be some moderate harm to the character and appearance of the area as a result of the introduction of the monopole as a result of its overall height this would be outweighed by the need for such technology in this area in order to provide high quality network coverage and the lack of alternative sites.”