An East Lancashire golf course could be set for a 25 metre high telecommunications tower capable of handling 5G signals.

If constructed, it would replace a nearby mobile phone mast which would be demolished.

Manchester-based Icon Tower Infrastructure Ltd wants to build the mast on land at Baxenden and District Golf Club, in Wooley Lane, Accrington.

The firm has applied to Hyndburn Council for planning permission to build a shareable telecommunication base station installation, comprising a 25m lattice tower supporting up to 12 antennas and up to four dishes on two headframes, together with up to one ground-based cabinets, one meter cabinet, and ancillary development thereto including compound fencing and parking area.

It would be located by the 111-year-old, nine-hole course at Baxenden, 1.5 miles south of Accrington.

Lancashire Telegraph: The scale of the mast that could be builtThe scale of the mast that could be built

Supporting documents submitted with the application read: "This multi-user structure with secure compound and upgraded power supply will enable a consolidation of equipment and in time may lead to the removal of unused infrastructure from the wider site and cell area.

"There is an existing telecommunications site located to the north west of the application site on lower ground at Baxenden and District Golf Club, and a redundant Vodafone mast immediately adjacent to the application site.

"It is anticipated the existing redundant Vodafone mast will be removed as part of the proposals.

"From the above it is clear this location has already been considered acceptable for telecommunications development for a number of years.

"The site is located on private land at Baxenden and District Golf Club, and is immediately adjacent to an existing redundant Vodafone mast and trees.

"These trees will aid in screening the proposed installation from the golf club and its surrounds.

"The existing monopole was being utilised by Vodafone; however, it would not be capable of allowing any other operators to share it in its current form.

"The new shareable installation will allow mobile network operators in the area to consolidate their equipment on one tower, which would minimise the overall number of telecommunications installations over time, whilst ensuring that sufficient, reliable coverage is provided to residents, businesses and visitors in this area of Accrington.

"The proposed mast will allow operators to share the site for their 5G networks, in full accordance with the aims and aspirations of the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership Strategic Economic Plan.

"There has been an 'infodemic' of misleading and false information circulating about 5G and alleged health effects.

"Some of it is pure fantasy, but there have also been sincere concerns expressed by some people, including scientists, who are not up to date with how 5G has evolved in the UK.

"Supporting this application will secure investment in a high-quality infrastructure asset for the community.

"The proposed installation will allow the four main UK mobile network operators, virtual mobile network operators who share their networks, and over 100 other smaller essential networks, to consolidate their sites and share one installation.

"The siting of the equipment is well considered.

"The proposed height at 25 metres is the lowest feasible height from a technical perspective that will allow the site to provide sufficient coverage to the surrounding area."