Mobile company Three's 4G mast plans rejected again

Telecoms company Three had proposed the mast to be placed near Honeymead

An application by telecoms company Three to put a 66ft (20m) mast within Exmoor National Park has been thrown out after an appeal.

The firm, officially called Hutchison 3G UK, wanted to put the mast near Honeymead, but the application was refused at the national park's planning meeting in June 2023.

The firm appealed the decision to the Planning Inspectorate, but it was dismissed again earlier in May.

The inspector said the site was positioned on a hillside and the proposed mast and its related equipment would be amid an area whose “distinct feature… is the extensive panoramic views of the hills and valleys”.

'Harm distinct character'

He added nearby settlements and farmsteads were “mostly upon lower land or tucked down within valleys”, and that the absence of development on the higher ground “gives it a remote, expansive quality”, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

“Although the mast would be near mature trees, given its height and position, high up upon a hillside, it would be visible from long distances away, including from a variety of public rights of way and viewpoints,” the inspector said.

“The mast would be the lowest height that would provide coverage for the operator, but despite this it would be taller than the nearby woodland trees, and also taller than those within the hedge banks that delineate the track and road."

The inspector said the mobile firm had not made it clear whether more suitable sites were available, and stated there were already two nearby masts, although the company had discounted so-called mast sharing.

'Enhance coverage'

He added the mast would "unacceptably harm the distinct character and appearance of the area".

A Three UK spokesperson said it would "enhance coverage and provide greater choice for residents, visitors and businesses of Exmoor".

They added: “We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and our planners determined that this site was required to deliver it.

"We are carefully reviewing the inspector’s decision.”