CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a new 20-metre 5G phone mast in the heart of a Chester suburb have been thrown out by planners.

Previously we reported CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd was planning to build the 20-metre phone mast, along with associated equipment cabinets, at the junction of Victoria Crescent and Queen's Park Road in Handbridge.

As part of its application to Cheshire West and Chester Council, it sought to allay any potential health risk fears by citing Public Health England and WHO advice that 5G broadcasts are safe.

But scores of residents submitted objections to the council due to the proposed location and size of the mast, with one saying it would be a "visually repugnant monstrosity", with others highlighting it would "completely dwarf" the local area, near an 8.4-metre house and seven-metre streetlight.

In a council planning officer's report, it was noted a total of 123 objections had been received and a petition lodged against the proposal.

The Conservation and Design Team at the council reported the site was in a "very sensitive location".

The planning officer reported the proposed mast "would be significantly taller and more prominent than these existing features and appear especially alien in this context".

The officer added: "It is considered that the benefits of extending the telecommunications network in the area are not sufficient to outweigh the demonstrable visual harm identified above from the siting and appearance of the proposal and would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area."

In conclusion, the planning officer recommended that prior approval was required for siting and appearance of the mast, but was subsequently refused on the grounds the development "would form an incongruous feature within the street scene and cause demonstrable visual harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area."

The officer added: "Insufficient evidence has been submitted to justify the proposed development with regards to more suitable alternative sites in less sensitive locations."