A MOBILE communications company has lost its appeal to replace its existing mast at Ribblehead in the Yorkshire Dales with taller, more sophisticated 4G equipment aimed at improving signal coverage for the emergency services.

Airwave Solutions application to remove two 22ft (7.5m) high Airwave poles at Ribblehead Quarry, Low Sleights Road, near Ingleton, and replace them with a 65ft (20m) tower with antennae and dishes for the Airwave network and the Emergency Services Network was turned down by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority in May, last year.

The scheme also proposed a new cabin on an existing concrete base at the site together with a standby cabin on a new base, plus other dishes and poles, and all enclosed in a new security compound. The aim was to improve coverage in a remote area where there are gaps in existing coverage and to expand in the future to general 4G coverage as part of the Shared Rural Network.

Airwave Solution's appeal has now been dismissed by a Government planning inspector who agreed with the national park authority that the impact on the sensitive surrounding countryside and the listed Ribblehead Viaduct was too great.

In their decision, the inspector R Hitchcock said while the proposal would result in more effective emergency coverage, it did not outweigh the harm to the designated landscape and its special qualities. The inspector also found that Airwave Solutions had not done enough to mitigate the impact on the area, which is close to the Yorkshire Three Peaks route.

The inspector said while the ground-based supporting apparatus associated with the proposed new mast would have 'limited effect in the locality', they added: "In stark contrast, the significantly increased height and dimensions of the proposed mast would be substantially greater than the existing infrastructure."

They continued: "It would extend considerably above the height of the nearby trees to limit their screening value. Although there would be some visual relief when seen against the backdrop of the surrounding fells due to the open framework construction of the tower, that benefit would be limited by the nature, number and height of the larger antennas and dishes."

The mast would appear 'obtrusive', would be 'widely visible' from a distance and would 'draw the eye'. In addition: "from the footpath leading from the base of the viaduct, it would be particularly imposing on important views to the notable western escarpment profile of Penyghent."

The inspector said the proposal would support emergency services in those locations without existing telecoms coverage, and that for some visitors, residents and businesses, the reassurance of more effective emergency services support would be a benefit of the proposal, but added: "In a locality where remoteness is also a key element of the area’s qualities, the benefit to some visitors therein is limited."

The inspector concluded: "The proposal would harm the character and appearance of the area and the special qualities of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It would fail to preserve the character and appearance of the Settle-Carlisle Conservation Area or the setting of the Batty Moss (Ribblehead) Viaduct."