A 15-METRE tall 5G mast will be built in Basildon after it was approved at appeal.

Basildon Council initially rejected the plans for the mast and three power boxes in on a field in Cranfield Park Road Wickford.

But applicant CK Hutchison Networks has taken its bid to the Government, where a planning inspector has overruled Basildon and given the plans approval.

The council had opposed how the mast on the grounds it was a “significantly obtrusive design” that would have a “detrimental visual impact on the townscape”.

Planning Inspector M Chalk ruled: “Overall, there would be some harm to the character and appearance of the area from the intrusive presence of the mast on an otherwise open and undeveloped area of grassland.

“The harm from the intrusive presence of the mast must be balanced against the benefits of improving 5G coverage in the area, which attracts significant weight as the Framework states that advanced, high quality and reliable communications infrastructure is essential for economic growth and social wellbeing.

“In the absence of any suitable alternative site within the area, the need for the development to provide 5G coverage outweighs the harm that would result. The siting of the proposed installation is therefore acceptable.”