Plans to build a large telecom pole have been thrown out over concerns about harm to the “appearance and character” of the area.

Under the proposal a 30M pole with six new antennas and a concrete supporting base built on land between Sidney Street and Coe Street in Great Lever.

But Bolton Council has now announced that the scheme has been refused because of its potential to “dominate the street scene” and “contribute to a sense of clutter.”

A report said: “The opportunity to select the colour of the pole would not overcome this harm and nor would keeping the number of cabinets to a minimum.

The plans have been refused by Bolton CouncilThe plans have been refused by Bolton Council (Image: WHP Telecoms)

“In this sense, it would appear unduly imposing, seeming out of place despite the immediate surrounding urban, industrial character, and causing visual harm to the area.

“Therefore, the proposal would appear visually intrusive and dominant in the street scene, noticeably taller and wider than other existing street furniture.”

It added: “Given the harm identified to the character and appearance of the area, alternatives must be robustly explored to determine the likelihood of there being less harmful alternatives to the proposed scheme.”

Hutchison & EE Ltd had put their plan for the pole before the council on Monday April 22 this year.

At the time, they said that the location was necessary for their business development and that it met their technical and operational requirements.

But the installation of large poles has long proven to be a controversial topic at various locations all around Bolton in recent months and years.

The council report said that officers accepted the need for a high-quality communications network for economic growth and for people’s wellbeing.

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They also accepted that there would be benefits in improving coverage standards.

The report said: “The need for the proposal, and the importance of good, fast, reliable, and cost-effective communications and the support for high-quality communications infrastructure within the Framework is recognised.

“However, it is concluded that the harm from the siting and appearance of the proposed installation on the character and appearance of the area would not be outweighed by the need for the installation to be sited as proposed, considering the potential for suitable alternatives.”