Plans to build a 15metre 5G mast that was branded ‘excessive and intrusive’ have been blocked.

A planning inspector has upheld Huntingdonshire District Council’s decision to refuse permission for the proposed mast in the High Street, in Earith.

The application to build the 5G mast had been put forward by CK Hutchinson Networks (UK) Ltd.

Planning documents said the operator would be H3G (Three) and said the company was “committed to providing improved network coverage and capacity”.

The plans added there was a “recognised need to expand and promote telecommunications networks”, and said using land on the public highway for the infrastructure was compliant with central government and local planning policy.

However, Earith Parish Council had objected to the plans and 10 formal objections were lodged by people living nearby.

Various concerns were raised including that the mast and the associated cabinets might impact the safety of people using the shared cycle and footpath.

One person did submit a comment formally in support of the plans and said they believed the positives would outweigh the negatives.

The district council decided to refuse permission for the 5G mast after considering the application.

It said: “By virtue of its prominent location and excessive height [the 5G mast] would be visually harmful and unacceptable intrusive within the street scene and the wider conservation area.”

The company looking to install the mast appealed to the planning inspectorate to try and overturn the district council’s decision.

However, the planning inspector who considered the application sided with the district council and dismissed the appeal.

They said: “The design of this apparatus would be seen as an obtrusive piece of street furniture and appear unusual and incongruous within this semi-rural setting and would thus harm the character and appearance of the area.”

The inspector also said the 5G mast would harm the Earith Conservation Area.

The planning inspector went on to say that only “limited detail” had been provided as to why alternative sites for the 5G mast in the village were discounted.

They said: “The search area provided by the appellant shows that it covers an area encompassing both built up and open spaces that have not been assessed.

“In the absence of clear and persuasive evidence as to why alternatives sites have been discounted, I am unable to establish that the appeal scheme is the most suitable in its siting and appearance.

“For the reasons given above I am not satisfied that, based on the evidence, the appeal scheme represents the least harmful option.”