GOVERNMENT plans over 5G masts could leave local authorities with no power to stop “incredibly intrusive” 50-metre high columns being installed, senior figures warned.

Blackburn with Darwen Council planning committee bosses resolved to make their worries known to Government as part of a consultation into proposed changes to the way prior approval is handled for applications relating to required infrastructure to carry 5G signals.

While 4G infrastructure is all underground, 5G requires large masts in sight of each other to carry and broadcast the signal.

The Government is proposing to amend the permitted development rights in England to grant planning permission for mobile infrastructure to support deployment of 5G and extend mobile coverage particularly in rural areas.

Concern was expressed that the consultation is operator led and appears to be removing further controls from the planning process, which senior figures at the council say could lead to local authorities having reduced powers to protect their communities.

Borough development manager Gavin Prescott told planning and highways committee members: “It’s very much operator led and looking to remove powers from local planning authorities.

“There is recognition there’s a need to look at this to improve connectivity but there has to be a balance.”

Growth and development executive member, Cllr Phil Riley, added: “The idea that if the government has its way companies could install masts 50 metres high without the council having any involvement and that just seems to me to be wrong.

“It could be incredibly intrusive. 5G is not underground and it requires line of sight which means they need to be in very prominent places.

“The idea this could happen without the council and local residents having a say is worrying.

“Obviously 5G would be helpful for businesses and the speeds are much greater. We are not saying we don’t want it, we are saying the process should have input from residents and the council.”

Cllr Hussain Akhtar suggested the council’s consultation response should include the need to provide free internet access for educational purposes for families who can’t afford to pay for a connection.

Members agreed and the council will submit its formal response to the Government.