PLANS to roll out wireless broadband across the borough could hit a stumbling block next week after a planning application for two of the masts has been recommended for refusal.

As part of a plan to make sure almost every resident has access to superfast broadband, Swindon Borough Council partnered with UKB Networks to bring its 4G LTE network to areas currently without the service.

It will involve putting up masts which would then beam a signal to a box attached to the side of the customer’s house.

However, while those in rural areas have welcomed the programme, many residents in North Swindon have reacted with anger, saying they want to see a fibre optic solution installed instead.

They have been joined by local councillors and North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson in voicing their opposition to the scheme.

As a result, planning applications for five masts in the area were called before next week’s planning meeting and officers have said that two located in Eastbury Way and Torun Way should be rejected.

Should this happen it could potentially throw the whole roll-out into jeopardy as a large portion of potential customers would not have access.

The planning report for the Torun Way mast says: “Although the weight of public opposition cannot in its own right justify refusal of an application in planning terms, in light of that level of public opposition taken wholly in context with the unambiguously utilitarian appearance of the monopole structure and the fact that it will be highly visible, it is considered that the proposed infrastructure will be too prominent and have an invasive appearance within the wider landscape and streetscene.”

The other three masts, in Redhouse Way, Cassini Drive and Aiken Road have been recommended for approval but residents say they will turn out in force to next week’s planning meeting to fight these as well.

A further 14 masts across the borough have been given approval.

Campaigners have welcomed the decision to reject the two masts for their appearance but feel the reasoning can be applied to all five.

A statement from the group reads: “Now, this reason actually can and does apply to all five sites – three of which are recommended for approval. If the planning committee refuses permission for two of the masts for this reason they, by all rights of logic, should be refusing it for all five.

“The more resident resistance we can show, the greater our chances of preventing UKB Networks from installing these 4G masts in entirely inappropriate locations within our community.”

Nicholas James, the CEO of UKB Networks, said: “We are happy to work with council planners to resolve these issues.

“The majority of the 19 masts have been approved. If there are problems let’s look at them and try to solve them.”