A MOBILE phone mast near Dorchester will be upgraded to accommodate 5G technology – if a planning application is approved.

EE UK Ltd and Hutchison UK Ltd have submitted an application to Dorset Council for permission to upgrade a mast near the A35 at Winterbourne Steepleton.

The scheme would see the communications pole increase from 19m to 20m in height, allowing the installation of 5G technology.

“There are no other viable alternative options other than to upgrade the existing installation,” the application said.

“Discounted options were put forward and assessed at the original planning application stage and this was deemed to be the most appropriate location.

“Given the height that is required for this site sharing 5G upgrade there is a lack of available rooftops.

“The area is both rural and residential in nature and this is the only potential location that is set away from properties in what is a constrained cell search.

“Long distance views will benefit from partial screening from the existing street furniture and trees. Only oblique views form residential properties will be apparent.”

It said while the height of the mast would increase, the work would not ‘detract from the character of the area in which the proposal sits’.

“As previously stated, the proposed site is an established telecommunication installation,” the application added.

“This submission is purely to upgrade this existing telecoms installation with new equipment to facilitate 5G coverage.”

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and search for application reference P/PAEL/2023/03966.