A 20 METRE-high phone mast providing 5G services to Bridgwater and the surrounding area is set to be installed near the town.

Telecommunications company CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd has applied to Sedgemoor District Council to establish whether prior permission will be required for the installation of the mast and equipment on land at Bristol Road.

The equipment, including the mast, which would house six antennas providing 5G and 4G mobile coverage, as well as two transmission dishes and cabinets.

The exact location of the mast is near the Willowdown roundabout on Bristol Road, close to the Queenswood Natural Foods units.

Hutchison, acting on behalf of network 3, said in the application: "The proposed development is required to provide new infill coverage for the H3G network (known as ‘3’).

"The site is primarily required to provide new 5G coverage and capacity to the area surrounding the site.

"It would also improve 4G coverage and capacity."

It added: "It is a good location for an installation and allocation has been chosen adjacent the main road in the middle of the industrial area and well away from the residential element to the east.

"The three uppermost antennas provide 5G coverage, and the lower set of three antennas would provide 4G coverage," it went on. The pole would also support two transmission dishes below the antennas. These are required to link the site into the wider network."

Streetlights, road signs and trees in the area would provide 'screening' to the mast and cabinets, the application adds.

Residents can comment on the application, reference 09/21/00027, online at www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/planning before September 6, when a decision can then be made.