Pembrokeshire: Plans for national park data mast denied

Plans to build a 51m tall communications mast in the Preseli Hills, Pembrokeshire, have been refused

Plans to build a communications mast within a national park have been denied following an appeal.

Brittania Towers planned to construct a 51m (167ft) tower in Preseli Hills, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

The appeal against the park authority's denial of planning permission has been refused due to the impact on the surrounding landscape.

The plans sparked local opposition, with protesters branding the proposals "hugely damaging" to the area.

The tower would have served to improve links between financial traders in London and Ireland in addition to housing mobile phone antennas.

The plans sparked protests from campaigners

Inspector Tony Thickett, appointed by the Welsh government, said the tower would have a "significantly adverse impact" on the landscape of the national park.

"National parks enjoy the highest level of landscape protection... I find that the proposed development would cause serious harm," he added.

The developer claimed the Preseli Hills site is the ideal location the tower and argued that it would improve mobile coverage and capacity in the surrounding area.

However Mr Thickett concluded that any benefits of the plans are outweighed by the potential harm the development could cause.