A SIXTY-FOOT mast could soon dominate the skyline of South Ulverston after a telecoms giant made its plans known.

Vodafone has submitted a pre-application notice to Ulverston Town council informing them of their plan to build a 17.5m antenna in the heart of Croftlands housing estate.

Residents and town councillors alike have been angered by the move, questioning why the site on the corner of Oakwood Drive and Central Drive was chosen.

Councillor Amanda Rigg, who represents Ulverston's South ward which borders the development said: "It would be intrusive and imposing. I'm a telephone user and see the benefits of it, but where it is, it is not the right site. There are other greenfield sites that are available."

This was echoed by Cllr Colin Pickthall who added: "This is the wrong place and we should send that message to them (Vodafone)."

The applicant is proposing to build the antenna on the green space next to the post office in Oakwood Drive.

This lies directly North of one of the most densely populated parts of Ulverston, and a short distance away from Croftlands Junior School.

In its application notice Vodafone said the site was chosen as it was the "least visually intrusive that is capable of providing adequate coverage to the target area."

On Monday when the issue was raised before the council, members of the public were given the chance to speak about the development.

Nicholas Nibbs, a local resident said the development was "intrusive" and "out of character in our community."

Vodafone confirmed that they will soon submit a full planning application to South Lakeland District Council. Residents who wish to comment on the plan will be able to do so online once and application goes in.

A spokesman said: "Vodafone and O2 identified that they need to improve the coverage to their customers in Ulverston and have proposed a new base station in Oakwood Drive.

"We have undertaken pre-application consultation with the local parish council and are continuing to consult with the local planning authority. We plan to submit a planning application in the coming weeks."

Click here to be directed to the SLDC planning website

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