Plans for 'obtrusive' telecoms mast rejected

Plans to put up a telecommunications mast near a conservation area have been turned down on the grounds it would be "obtrusive" and "visually prominent".

National Grid wanted to construct an 81ft (24.7m) communications tower and equipment such as antennas and transmission dishes on Commercial Road in Wolverhampton.

But planning officers refused permission, saying it would be based in the Bilston Canal Corridor Conservation Area and was close to a locally-listed former power station.

"The size and appearance of the mast and associated equipment cabinets would create visual clutter," the council's decision notice added.

The mast would also "introduce an overly prominent, incongruous and alien feature to the street scene", to the detriment of the character and appearance of the conservation area, it added.

National Grid said the proposed tower would be of "slimline lattice structure" which would enable it to "blend into the industrial background more effectively".

The new development would be an "integral part" of the security and protection of the electricity distribution network and would permit more monitoring and control, the firm added in the planning application.

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