Mobile network Three wants to install a 20m high 5G telecoms pole in Lancaster city centre

The location opposite Kwik-Fit has sparked concerns with Lancashire County Council's Highways department, which has objected to the proposal on health and safety grounds.

The rollout of ultra-fast 5G mobile connectivity has sparked some fears the new transmission masts could be dangerous to humans.

But Ofcom, the UK regulator, said it found no identifiable risks in its first tests since 5G technology was deployed.

Three said in its application: "There is now a requirement to upgrade the UK H3G (Three) network to provide improved coverage and capacity, most notably in relation to 5G services.

"This proposal is for a 20m SW (Street Works) monopole located on the adopted highways at A6 Thurnham Street, Lancaster.

"Three are in the process of building out the UK’s fastest 5G network.

"Three has 140MHz of 5G spectrum (and 100MHz of it contiguous), which means our service will be much faster and able to handle more data.

"To bring this new technology to the people H3G will need to provide a mix of upgrades to existing sites and the building of new sites.

"New sites will be needed for many reasons, including that the higher radio frequencies used for 5G do not travel as far as those frequencies currently in use and that sometimes not all existing sites can be upgraded.

"In this area there is an acute need for a new mast to deliver the above.

"It should be noted however, that the nature of 5G and the network services it provides, means the equipment and antennas required are quite different to the previous, and existing, service requirements."

Three said it had kept the height of the pole to an "absolute minimum", and that it is in a position that will not impede pedestrian flow or the safety of passing motorists.

But Phil Durnell, Director of Highways and Transport at Lancashire County Council said: "Applicant proposals to erect a 20m telecommunications mast and place associated ancillary equipment in the accompanying publicly maintained footway must be placed at the back of the footway in a location such that it does not impact disproportionately on pedestrian or mobility impaired movements (mother / child / buggy etc) over the same.

"A recent site visit would appear to imply that such is impractical without users of the footway stepping out into live vehicle running lanes to the detriment of user's safety.

"From a highway & pedestrian safety perspective, I would wish to raise a highway objection to applicant proposals."

Three added: "The design of the proposed equipment is considered to be the least visually intrusive option available.

"Although it is accepted that there will be an intensification in the amount of equipment (an additional monopole and associated cabinets in the area) it is felt that such a minor increase would not detract from the character in which the proposal sits."