Mobile mast will boost 4G signal if approved

The finished tower would be 18m high

MOBILE 4G coverage in rural parts of the borough could be boosted if a bid for a new phone tower gets the goahead.

Telefonica, which runs 02, has applied to put up the 18m high structure featuring a lattice design and bearing three antennas and two dishes.

Below a 10m by 6m compound would house ground equipment and cabinets.

Telefonica say they investi- gated seven other sites in the Newbold Verdon area before deciding the plot at Heath Farm, off Bosworth Lane, was the only suitable location.

The submission to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council says: “The proposed scale is not considered to be that which would cause any impact on the environment in terms of vistas.

“A lattice mast design type has been chosen in order to accommodate the necessary headframe with the three antennas to ensure the installation is viable from a trans- mission perspective.

“The use of a lattice tower, which is a relatively open and permeable structure will allow views through the mast to the backdrop of the sky and trees, thereby minimising its visual impact.”

The new mast would enhance the provision of mobile 4G coverage in the Osbaston and Newbold Verdon area, allowing O2 customers to use ultra-fast speeds when browsing the internet, streaming videos, or sending emails wherever they are. It would also mean faster down- loads on the go.

The chosen site is located in the corner of the field with the existing trees and vegetation providing good levels of screening.

Existing electricity pylons provide utilitarian context and planning precedent as well as the site being located well away from residential properties and statutory designations.

The planning application will be decided at a meeting of the borough’s planning committee or through delegated powers by officers.