DARWEN’S mobile phone mast disguised as a Cypress tree is set to grow.

Operators Vodafone and Telefonica want to add 10 metres to the existing 20 metre structure at Cadshaw Farm, off the A666, in Bull Hill.

After a previous planning application last year was turned down, the firm has promised the proposed larger pylon will be fully disguised as a tree.

The firms say the new, taller mast is needed to improve mobile phone reception Darwen and the surrounding villages.

Vodafone and Telefonica have submitted a new planning application to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

It is for: “Removal of the existing 20 metre high replica tree mast, to be replaced by the installation of a dual user 30 metre high replica tree mast accommodating four, multi band antennas and one transmission dish.

“There will also be a cable tray gantry with supporting poles and ancillary development.”

The existing 20-metre high ‘tree’ mast put up in 2004 masks four different antennas, one dish and have an equipment compound at its base.

North Turton and Tockholes councillor Colin Rigby, whose ward includes Cadshaw Far, said: “I shall look at this application when I receive full details.

“There is an argument for a taller mast because mobile phone reception in Darwen and the surrounding villages because of the problems caused by local hills and valleys.

“One the other hand there are concerns about its effect on beautiful views of the countryside and the environment that need to be taken into account.

“I am pleased the new application makes clear the taller mast will still be disguised as a tree.”

A spokesman for planning agents Mono Consultants said: “Vodafone and Telefonica customers expect to be able to use their mobiles and devices where they live, work and travel.

“Base stations are low powered devices which cover approximately half a mile in radius, therefore we have to put base stations close to our customers. “We have identified we need to improve the coverage to our customers in South Darwen and have proposed an upgrade to an existing base station at Cadshaw Farm, Bull Hill.

“This upgrade will provide 4G services to the area, allowing faster downloads while on the go.”