A number of Ashby businesses have objected to plans to build a 65-feet telecommunications mast in the town.

The structure, which would rise to 20 metres, is planned for Machin's Business Centre, in Wood Street.

An application to build the mast has been made by mobile infrastructure services company Cornerstone, based in Theale, Berkshire.

In a covering letter accompanying the application to North West Leicestershire District Council, the company says:  "The enclosed application is identified as the most suitable option that balances operational need with local planning policies and national planning policy guidance. It will deliver public benefit in terms of the mobile services it will provide."

But Castle Garage has written to the District Council listing a number of objections, including: A lack of consultation; disruption to building during construction; permanent loss of parking and visual intrusion; health and safety concerns;  proximity to public and sensitive locations; negative impact on a small, community-based business.

It adds: "We leased this area of land, so are bewildered by how this can just be taken away from us, we were neither informed of this proposal in advance nor given the opportunity to provide feedback during the planning process.

"The proposed mast site is not only above our business premises but also adjacent to a high-traffic pedestrian walkway and within close range of a local school. This raises serious questions about the appropriateness of the location, particularly from a safety, aesthetic, and community welfare standpoint. The installation sends the wrong message about prioritising business and community interests, especially in areas frequented by children and families.

"We respectfully urge the planning authority to reject this application and to seek a more appropriate and less impactful location for the mast.

How the mast would look once built. Image: North West Leicestershire District Council

"The cumulative effect of construction disruption, loss of parking, operational challenges, health and safety concerns, and the adverse impact on a community business makes this proposal wholly unsuitable for this site."

Laser & Skin, also based at the Machin's Business Centre, has also raised concerns.

A communication with the District Council says the work carried out is likely to be detrimental to business.

Machin's Garage added its views and said the St Helen's dental surgery could also be affected.

It said: "We are a very busy little Business Centre which is the home of several businesses.

"I am extremely concerned about the absolute chaos and disruption that would ensue during installation which could be catastrophic for some of them.

"The Business Centre is the home of the only NHS Dental practice in our town. The practice is constantly running at full capacity and for patients to be denied access during the construction of the mast would be unethical.

"Some of the patients need vehicular access as it is not possible for them to walk into the surgery on foot, these patients could be left to suffer for days or weeks because no clear time scale has even been mentioned as to how long the disruption will last, other than it will be kept to a minimum, which is of no comfort to anyone if you are in pain."

Ashby de la Zouch Town Council raised no objections to the scheme at its planning committee meeting on Monday.

But Ken Ward, from Ashby Civic Society, told councillors: "I believe the owner of Machin's yard feels this is being imposed on him, he does not want this.

"Does it have to be so high? Perhaps half size?."