HUGELY controversial plans to put up a phone mast near a youth centre are set to be given the go-ahead despite councillors refusing similar plans just four months ago.

Phone network giants EE lodged revised designs to erect the structure by Harmans Water playing fields, near The Wayz Youth Centre, in January.

This came after councillors said the mast would would spoil the character of the area and would not enhance the local green belt in November 2020.

READ MORE: EE phone mast plans rejected by Bracknell council

In response, EE has reduced the height of the proposed mast from 27.5-metres to 25-metres.

This time, however, the applicants have applied for permission using 'permitted development rights', meaning they are not required to submit a full planning application as they did last time.

These measures were brought in in 2015 to make it easier for applicants to get approval for plans to put up electronic communications apparatus.

READ MORE: Revised phone mast plans submitted by EE

The designs are set to be considered once again by Bracknell Forest Council's planning committee on Thursday, where councillors will decide whether to go along with an officer's recommendation to nod through the plan.

The committee will also consider 164 objections from nearby residents in opposition to the plans.

According to an officer's report, residents said:

  • The playing field site was inappropriate for such a structure
  • The apparatus would have a visual impact on the surrounding area
  • The mast would have an impact on local wildlife
  • The mast would devalue surrounding properties, and more.

Bracknell Town Council recommended the plans be refused, too.

READ MORE: EE phone mast set to go up at Bracknell Thames Water site

In a statement, they said: "Whilst Bracknell Town Council understands that the Telecommunications Companies want to improve coverage for all residents, Bracknell Town Councillors feel that the siting of this mast on a recreation area used by many local residents and the adjoining youth clubis not a suitable position.

"Bracknell Town Council feel a more suitable site could be found within an industrial area or around the town centre,not on a playing field."

The proposal complies with safety guidelines required by the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection.

Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee will meet to discuss the plans on Thursday, February 25.