Two Bolton MPs have called for tougher planning rules on the installation of 5G masts, with one describing the current process like “whack-a-mole”.

Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi and Bolton North East MP Mark Logan said they would back tougher regulations for telecoms companies installing 5G masts in the borough.

Both MPs have called on the government to force telecoms companies, such as BT, Vodafone and IX Wireless to undergo an application and consultation process before 5G masts can be installed.

Current regulations under the National Planning Policy Framework give the masts prior approval for installation, meaning they do not need to gain consent from council planning committees to erect the masts.

READ MORE: Bolton Council respond after mast installed in Harwood

Ms Qureshi and Mr Logan made the comments on Wednesday during a parliamentary debate called by Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon to discuss the impact of 5G mast installations in Greater Manchester.

Mr Logan said the masts “look like something out of a North Korean military base” and called on the government and companies like IX Wireless, to listen to residents over the issue.

He said: “I have residents in Astley Bridge, Bradshaw, Harwood, Bromley Cross and in Egerton who are absolutely royally peeved off with the installation of some of these masts going up in the constituency.

“[I believe] both the government but especially these providers such as IX Wireless need to listen more to residents and should have to go through a consultation process to make sure residents are consulted throughout this.”

The Conservative MP’s comments were echoed by Labour's Bolton South East representative Ms Qureshi, who said the masts have “caused chaos on the streets on Bolton and across our borough".

She said: “I have been raising this issue and concern since 2019 about poorly sighted and low-quality masts and wooden poles placed across Bolton.

“These are very tall, very ugly monstrosities which are blighting our landscapes and causing so much distress to my constituents in Bolton South-East.

“It has become a case of whack-a-mole with these masts popping up everywhere. You get one re-sited and then the other appears in a different area.”

Ms Qureshi added that Bolton was already “well served” by broadband providers and questioned how effectively the commercial viability of telecoms companies were being monitored by the government.

Mr Logan described the masts going up without the consent of residents is almost like a “middle finger to the local community".

He added that he would support a Private Member’s Bill, raised by Hull North MP, Dame Diana Johnson, calling for a mandatory consultation period for the installation of 5G masts.

Responding to concerns, Julia Lopez, Minister of State (Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure) and Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries said she will meet with government colleagues and communications regulator Ofcom about the issue next week.

She added: “It is absolutely right that [residents’ concerns] are addressed because this is not what we sought to happen.

READ MORE: IX Wireless and Openreach fines issued by Bolton Council

“There is an overall and well supported policy aim in relation to connectivity, [but] we do not want broad support for that connectivity agenda to be undermined by bad practise because reliable, fast digital connectivity is absolutely vital for the prosperity of our country.

“It is very important that every part of the country has fantastic connectivity, I do not want to see a digital divide emerge.

“The policy intention is to empower communities by making sure they have the infrastructure they need and I do not want them to feel this is leading to a deterioration in the overall amenities of their areas."

A spokesperson for the firm said: “We have continually engaged with local communities and where possible we have attempted to rectify any issues that residents may have.

“We welcome any calls for greater community engagement. It is something we have been proud of doing in the areas where our broadband service has been rolled out. The teams have worked hard to do this despite the challenges.

“We have regularly liaised with authorities and when asked to use ‘prior approval’ versus ‘permitted development rights’, the company, where possible, has obliged.

“On occasions, the telegraph poles have been moved or painted to ensure residents needs are met. In some locations the company has agreed to wrap cabinets with locally supported initiatives.

“IX Wireless has been keen to take part in the process of consultation and planning even when it not legally required to do so.

“We thank local authorities for their commitment so we can help deliver this network which will ultimately bring lower prices and more competition.”