Mast upgrade set to improve Dales mobile coverage in Swaledale

Mobile phone coverage in the Yorkshire Dales is set to be improved by a proposed upgrade to a communications mast.

Plans have been submitted to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for a five-metre extension to an existing tower near Low Row in Swaledale.

New antennas would then be added to the mast at Gallowsd Top as part of the shared rural network scheme, a government project to allow the UK’s four mobile operators EE, O2, Three and Vodafone to share equipment.

The mast is already used as part of the emergency services network, with engineers proposing to move these antennas to the top of the new extension to improve signal.

Teligent Telecom, which has submitted the planning application, states: “The proposed upgrade works utilises an existing telecommunications location within the national park and negates the need for an additional new structure within the vicinity.  It meets the criteria for sustainability; the provision of adequate telecommunications infrastructure allows people to work from home, access services, aids social inclusion and encourages investment within the national park. The extension and additional equipment have been sensitively designed and are the minimum necessary for the successful deployment of the shared rural network.”

The company said it acknowledged that the increased height meant the structure would be visible across a wider area, however it added that the lattice structure will allow views through it.

The supporting documents add: “The proposal would result in a moderate magnitude of visual change within the national park and any harm should be weighed against the considerable public benefit generated by the provision of the shared rural network rollout in this area.”