Plan for 50ft telecoms pole in Wigan given the thumbs up

They have agreed to the installation of the pole to support fibre cables and radio antennae song with cabinets housing electronic comms for high-speed broadband on open space west of Belle Green Lane, Ince.

The applicant was IX Wireless Ltd, based in Blackburn. The monopole and cabinets will be sited at the rear of the pavement, adjacent to grass, opposite Nelson Drive.

Documents on Wigan Council’s planning portal said that in accordance with national planning policy “high-quality and reliable communications infrastructure is essential for economic growth and social well-being”.

They said: “Planning policies and decisions should support the expansion of electronic communications networks, including next-generation mobile technology (such as 5G) and full-fibre broadband connections.

“However, applications for electronic communications development (including applications for prior approval under the General Permitted Development Order) should be supported by the necessary evidence to justify the proposed development.”

They said the council’s approach to such development was to help grow telecommunications systems while keeping their environmental impact to a minimum.

They added: “It is particularly important for telecommunications development to be appropriately sited to minimise its visual impact.

“In this case, the applicant is considered to have provided justification relating to the requirement for the mast to facilitate the creation and/or extension of a gigabit-capable electronic communications network which is a central part of the Government’s National Infrastructure Strategy and Levelling Up agenda.”

The documents said no objections to the plan had been submitted.