Plans for a 73ft mobile phone mast to improve the 4G signal in a Lake District valley have moved a step closer.
Cornerstone wants to erect the mast near Satterthwaite in the Rusland Valley.
It said the three antennae on the mast would be painted olive and the monopole would also include two dishes and a GPS module.
The Lake District National Park Authority has said it does not need prior approval – meaning it can go ahead.
A report from the applicant said: “The provision of high quality mobile network coverage is essential for rural communities and a Government priority and therefore holds significant weight.
“Currently there is a gap in coverage around Rusland that does not provide 4G coverage. The development would provide people, business and the emergency services 4G coverage where there is none.”
The proposal is part of the Government-backed scheme, Shared Rural Network, which is a collaboration between mobile network operators and the Government to improve 4G mobile coverage for people living, working and travelling in rural areas which have little to no signal.
However an objector claimed the development would have a hugely negative impact on the environment and aesthetics of Rusland Valley ancient woodlands.
A previous planning application on this site for a 82ft mast with three antennae was rejected in March due to concerns over the harm to the character of the landscape.
However, according to the planning report officers are satisfied any impact to the landscape would be minimal.
The report said: “Overall, I consider that the installation would have a minor adverse visual and landscape impact, but steps have been taken through its siting and appearance to reduce these impacts to being relatively localised.”
The Lake District National Park Authority made the decision no prior approval was needed for the application on October 13.
