A TOWERING phone mast could be put up on a prominent main road – despite planning bosses previously throwing out the plans.

A telecoms company wanted to install the 15-metre high 5G mast on the corner of Lexden Road and Sanders Drive, Colchester.

Colchester Council rejected the proposal in October, saying the “unacceptable” appearance of the mast would “be demonstrably harmful to the character of the area”.

The proximity of schools, homes and a nearby conservation area were also flagged as issues.

In its appeal, CK Hutchison Networks, which operates the 3 mobile network, has asked the government planning inspector “to gauge whether the reasons for refusal are valid and whether they outweigh the considerable benefits the development would deliver in terms of sustainability and provision of enhanced digital communication for residents and businesses”.

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Lexden and Braiswick councillor Lewis Barber previously told the Gazette there was “considerable disquiet” among residents about the mast spoiling the street scene of Lexden Road.

Applications of telecommunications masts are not subject to the same scrutiny as other types of planning applications, in that the role of the planning committee is not to determine whether the proposal complies with council planning rules.

Instead, committee members determine whether these applications comply with regulations set out by Ofcom, the telecommunications regulator.