A previously refused planning application for a phone mast in a conservation area has been resubmitted "with a smaller telecoms mast to reduce any visual impact".

Plans for a 15m high phone mast on a grass verge in Spring Road, Letchworth, were refused by North Hertfordshire Council's Planning Control Committee last summer due to concerns over the appearance of the mast.

The local authority said: "The application site is inappropriate, given its location within a dense residential area that would see the proposal become the most dominant structure in the immediate vicinity.

"Furthermore, the appearance of a 15m mast and associated ground-based apparatus in this location would fail to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area, within which the site is located."

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CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Limited has now resubmitted its application, saying "this is a resubmission of a previously refused application with a smaller telecoms mast to reduce any visual impact".

The height of the proposed mast is still the same - 15m - but the new proposal is for a slimmer mast.

In its latest submission to the local authority, CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Limited said: "There is an acute need for a new base station to provide effective service coverage and, in this case, the height of the proposed street pole is the minimum required to bring the benefits of 5G to this area."

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A number of objections have been lodged with North Hertfordshire Council, with concerns regarding public health, visual appearance and the proximity of the mast to schools and homes.

The proposed site is 134 metres from Early Bird Preschool and 264 metres from St Francis' College.

One objector said: "The site position of this 5G mast is completely inappropriate visually; dominating the surrounding houses and trees. It is ugly and not in keeping with the garden city aesthetic."

Another added: "I think the mast location is too close to the schools", and "fails to preserve the natural beauty of the locality".

To view the plans in full and have your say, visit pa2.north-herts.gov.uk and search for reference number 23/00375/TD.