Plans to install a 5G mast next to a Whitefield war memorial have been rejected for a second time following outcry from residents.

The proposals were lodged by telecommunications company CK Hutchinson Networks (UK) Ltd, owner of network Three, to build a 15m high mast at Higher Lane and Church Lane, close to All Saints' Church.

A fresh application for a mast in this location, in close proximity to the Whitefield War Memorial, was submitted by the company just six months after previous plans for a 18m high mast were rejected.

Residents and local politicians expressed concerns about the position of the mast, which would have been install near to the Grade II listed memorial and the Grade I listed church.

Bury Times: The proposed site of the rejected mast near All Saints Church in WhitefieldThe proposed site of the rejected mast near All Saints Church in Whitefield (Image: Bury Council)

And the council has turned the plans down again on the basis they would be "detrimental to the visual amenities of the area" and would "not improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area".

A report on the decision said: “The proposed development would, by reason of its size, position and design, be a prominent and intrusive feature in the street scene and would add to the clutter within the streetscene.

“The proposal would neither preserve or enhance the traditional character or appearance of the Conservation Area.

“The proposal would by virtue of its siting, size, design and mass have a severely detrimental impact on the setting of the Grade II Listed War Memorial and the Grade I Listed Church of All Saints.”

The proposals drew criticism from politicians including Bury South MP Christian Wakeford, Bury Conservatives leader Cllr Russell Bernstein and Pilkington Park Cllr Liz FitzGerald.

Writing on Twitter Cllr Fitzgerald welcomed the rejection of the plans.

She said: “Delighted to see that the planning application for a 5G Mast at Whitefield cenotaph has once again been rejected by Bury Council.

“Thanks to all who campaigned and protected our beautiful conservation area.”

In response to the decision, a Three UK spokesperson said: “5G rollout is vital for residents and businesses of Whitefield, Manchester.

"We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and our planners determined that this site was required to deliver it.

“While we try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they do need to be situated near to where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.

"We will consider the reasons for refusal carefully and consider our options.”