PLANNERS have thrown out a scheme to erect a 5G communications mast which would have towered over a Crewe road.

It was proposed to site the 50-metre high antennae on a pavement near to the junction of Edleston Road and High Street.

But Crewe town councillors were aghast that architect's plans showed how the mast would have loomed high over the Breeden House office block.

Now Cheshire East Council planners have rejected the plans, which were submitted by Hutchison 3G UK Ltd, under their delegated powers.

The tech firm said the mast would provide new 5G coverage in the centre of Crewe and boost existing 4G capacity.

However, at a February planning meeting town councillors raised their objections, saying there were more suitable locations for the mast, which plans show is three times as high as the adjacent shop units it would have been sited next to.

Councillors were concerned the mast would impact on the planned town centre regeneration plans for the area and suggested that Oak Street car park was a better location.

Crewe Town Board also objected to the plans. Board Chairman Kinsman said: "While we support the need for enhanced connectivity within the town, the location of this mast is hindering a major gateway in the town.

"The board therefore requests that the planning application is refused, and a new inconspicuous location sought for the construction of this mast."