YEARS of debate have come to an end following the council's decision to grant permission for a 5G mast to be erected in Burtonwood.

For a number of years, Burtonwood residents have objected to new phone masts being installed in the village.

A number of issues have been raised, including the impact such masts would have on the visual amenities of the village.

In 2021, for example, a planning application was rejected by Warrington Borough Council's planners as it would ‘detract from the overall character and appearance’ of the village.

Following various meetings between residents and planning authorities, as well as councillors, one resident has told the Warrington Guardian that they were informed future plans to install 5G masts in Burtonwood were 'dead in the water.'

Now, however, approval has been given for a new mast to be erected in the village.

The new 5G mast will be installed in Burtonwood Community Centre's car park.

One resident spoke to the Warrington Guardian when the new application was submitted: "Residents were assured by both the parish council who own the land and Warrington Borough Council that the proposal would not go ahead and was now ’dead in the water.'

"It now appears that the ogre of the mast is once again rearing its ugly head."

The resident added: "The council has sent out a letter to some residents, although we don’t know who and how many, saying it’s up for prior approval.

"The letter advises us that if we want more information to look at planning applications online, which we have done, but apart from titles in the boxes there is nothing to tell us when the consultation will take place."

Transport Development Control in Warrington commented on the application, writing: "The position of the apparatus does not affect any required visibility splays nor does it impact on movement along the highway.

"Indeed, it appears to be located off the highway within a private area.

"A small number of parking spaces will be lost, but ample appears to be retained and this is not a significant issue."

The decision notice was published on the council's planning portal, and approval for the mast has been given as long as developers follow the drawings submitted in the application, and as long as the mast is installed within the next five years.