A proposal seeking to erect an 18-metre telecommunications mast on Fluin Lane for 5G services will not be going ahead in this location.

The planning application, made by Three UK, attracted significant public comment with many residents contacting Cheshire West and Chester's Planning Department.

Whilst most residents recognised the need for 5G services for the Frodsham area, many objected to this location as being contrary to the policy criteria in the Local Plan and Frodsham Design Statement as well as being damaging to the mature trees on Fluin Lane.

Cheshire West and Chester Council Planning has now refused the application, stating: "Due to the openness of the junction at which the mast and equipment would be sited, it is felt that the proposal would create a highly incongruous feature that would be a odds with the verdant character and appearance of the surrounding area."

"Overall, it is considered that the proposal would appear unduly prominent in this locality and be highly visible from multiple vantage points in the surrounding area.

"The proposed development would thereby have an unacceptable adverse impact on the character and appearance of [Fluin Lane]."

The Council also observed that insufficient evidence had been submitted about the supposed unsuitability of alternative locations, which included Langdale Way, Blue Hatch, Frodsham High Street, Bridge Lane and the Community Centre Playing Fields.

Commenting on the decision, Frodsham ward Councillor Chris Basey said: "I want to thank the many local residents that took the time to share their views and make their comments to the planning team.

"Frodsham is a special place and we want to do all that we can to protect the unique look and feel of our local area."

Fellow Councillor Lynn Riley added: "It's good see that the council officers listened to the significant amount of comments and on this occasion agreed with well-reasoned points raised by local residents."

"We are disappointed that the Council has failed to create a register of suitable locations for several types of developments including digital infrastructure as this puts every community into the hands of would-be developers.

"There is a real opportunity for the Council to lead by example by using the many public buildings that operate in Frodsham before we need to resort to much loved streetscapes and green spaces."

If you have suggestions for potential sites for digital infrastructure, you are welcome to contact Chris ([email protected]) and Lynn ([email protected]).