A controversial plan has been put forward for a new high phone mast in an area of Bolton steeped in heritage.  

Under the proposal a 15-metre phone mast along with four equipment cabinets will be installed on Lee Lane in Horwich, a historic preservation area.

This would be in front of the Spice Valley Indian Restaurant and directly opposite cottages that can trace their history all the way back to the 1800s.

Cllr Richard Silvester, who represents the area on Bolton Council, said: “I just don’t think siting a 15-metre-high phone mast and large equipment cabinets in the middle of a conservation area which has historic stone buildings all around is appropriate.

“I have objected because I think they would spoil the character and appearance of the area and could also be a safety hazard to the many elderly people who use the pavement there to get into Horwich town centre.

The Bolton News:

Cllr Richard Silvester is objecting to the plans

“The pavement is not exceptionally wide and with the mast and equipment cabinets all sticking out into the pavement, a large area of it would be taken up pushing pedestrians and wheelchair users much closer to the road edge.

“I also think its totally unfair on residents to site all of this equipment right across the road from their properties.

“They would look out directly onto all of this unsightly equipment.

“Its detrimental to their view, the general street scene and it is a shocking proposal in such a historic part of Horwich.”   

The plans have now closed for neighbourhood consultations and are now set to be decided on by Bolton Council.

But the objections raised by Cllr Silvester may mean that they are debated by the planning committee before being given the green light.

Cllr Silvester said: “The applicants need to go back to the drawing board and come up with a location which would not cause as much visual harm and I am prepared to work with them to find a more suitable location if they wish me to.

“I hope that the planning officer will refuse the application.”