Upgraded antennas on water tower to boost 5G

The plans would see the existing telecommunications equipment on the tower improved

Plans have been approved to improve a town's 5G coverage by upgrading antennas on a water tower.

The scheme for Ossett involves replacing telecommunications equipment already in place at Gawthorpe Water Tower.

Cornerstone, a mobile infrastructure service services company, said the work was required to ensure residents had access to the latest technology.

The Grade II listed tower was built between 1922 and 1928, but has not been used for water storage since 2006.

The 180ft (55m) structure on Chidswell Lane has hosted telecommunications equipment since 1996.

Cornerstone said in a letter to Wakefield Council the proposed upgrade would "ensure the latest high quality, reliable, secure communications technology" was provided.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a heritage statement was submitted with the application to assess the impact of the work on the building.

The document said its architectural significance stemmed from its "strikingly elegant neoclassical design".

Made from reinforced concrete, it was first listed by Historic England in December 2020 following a campaign by residents.

The heritage statement described it as a prominent landmark.

"The tower's historic interest lies in its role as a physical reminder of the significant advancements in health and sanitation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as developments in public water supply provision," it added.

A council officer's report said the work would not cause "substantial harm" to the structure and its "special interest" would be maintained.

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