SUPERFAST Swindon has been dealt a further blow to its broadband scheme with the refusal of permission for all four of its new masts in North Swindon.

The masts, three 15 metre monopoles and one eight metre lattice tower, are crucial if the project is to become fully operational.

When they went before the planning committee on Tuesday the masts only needed approval on the grounds of their position and appearance as their other characteristics meant full planning permission wasn't required.

In February, approval for five similar masts in different North Swindon locations was refused by the committee.

A representative from UKBN, the company responsible for the rollout of Superfast Swindon, said they had made every effort to listen to concerns raised following the earlier refusals.

Planning officers had recommended that all four masts be approved and there had been no formal objections from parish councils or residents on three of the four applications.

However despite this, it became clear early on in the debate that there was going to be fierce opposition to the masts without exception.

Coun Emma Faramarzi (Con – Priory Vale), who does not sit on the committee but was speaking as a ward representative, said that she had received representations against the masts on the doorstep.

Coun Vera Tomlinson (Con – St Andrews), spoke passionately against all four masts. She pleaded with her fellow planning committee members to refuse permission.

“Our residents are living in fear that the masts may be approved,” she said of the monopoles.

On the eight metre lattice tower, she added: “They’re not happy this monster will be towering over their new houses."

Although planning officers made clear that the applications were only to be assessed on the grounds of siting and appearance, the debate featured a much broader range of considerations.

There was frustration from some councillors as issues including the arrival of BT and Virgin to the northern sector, the likely take-up of the Superfast Swindon service and even unproven health concerns, came up again and again.

Coun Stan Pajak (LD - Eastcott), who voted to approve all four of the masts, said: “I feel as if I’m defending the industrial revolution, I really don’t see on planning grounds how we can refuse them.”

Officers warned that UKBN would be able to appeal and while it would be impartial, the appeal decision would not take into account any of the additional considerations raised.

Nicholas James, CEO of UKBN, said: "We are disappointed that the planning committee decided, by a very narrow majority, to refuse planning permission for the alternative sites as part of a plan that took into account the views of Swindon Borough Council, local councillors and residents.

“UKBN has a contract with Swindon Borough Council to deliver the Superfast Swindon project to 20,000 homes, including approximately 7,000 homes in North Swindon, and the project will continue as planned.

“In order to ensure that this decision does not restrict the options for North Swindon residents, we are in discussion with Swindon Borough Council and BDUK to work out the appropriate next steps in the appeal and planning process.”