A DECISION is set to be made on controversial plans to build a 17.5metre phone mast, with planning bosses recommending it goes ahead.

Hyndburn Planning Committee will decide on the proposals submitted to them by Vodaphone for the tower and four cabinets in Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle, at its meeting on Wednesday.

So far 13 objections have been received by the council opposing the plans, which include worries over health effects and concerns it would be an ‘eyesore’.

However, a delegated report from the council recommends the plans are approved with conditions.

The report said: “Given the lack of alternative sites in the area, the proposal is acceptable in respect of its siting and as base stations such as this one are now becoming accepted infrastructure element in the street scene.”

The steel monopole will be 17.5metres tall at the telecommunications base station and will provide Vodafone and O2 customers with 3G and 4G services.

A spokesman for CTIL, which Vodafone are part of, said the plans would ‘have the least visual impact whilst still providing coverage’.

The planning meeting will take place at 2pm in Scaitcliffe House.