Plans for a 20-metre high 5G mobile phone and communications mast in Farsley have been withdrawn by applicants.
Leeds City Council planners say Hutchison 3G Limited has withdrawn its application to build the mast and base cabinet in Cherry Tree Drive.
The proposals amassed more than 50 letters of objection, with many opponents saying the mast was too tall and would have been out of keeping with the area.
Council planning officers labelled the application ‘wholly unacceptable’ in its location and that it would impede the use of the footpath, creating highway safety concerns. A planning officer added:
“They had sought a reduced height to 15m but to my mind that did not overcome the considered harm and, as a result of officers’ views, the Applicants have opted to withdraw the application.”
The withdrawal has been welcomed by Councillors Andrew and Amanda Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley). Andrew said:
“This is really good news, the residents will be as pleased as Amanda and myself.”
One objector had said the mast would ‘dwarf’ nearby houses and added:
“[it is of] completely unsuitable height in an open and raised landscape, and there will be a severe narrowing of the path which leaves the width below accessibility recommendations.
“How can the council agree to a 20-metre tall steel mast that will have a material impact on a conservation area whose boundary sits a matter of metres away? Visually this will have great detriment to the conservation area in a densely populated residential area.”
Objectors also included Cllr Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley).
The applicants had said the location was “identified as being necessary for H3G Ltd business development and meets its specific technical and operational requirements. The identification of this location follows pre-application discussion with [the council’s planning] department”.
The plans can be viewed in full here.
WLD first reported on local opposition to the mast last month.