PLANS to build a telecommunications mast in the centre of Earby have been refused by the West Craven Area Committee.

The application by Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Limited (CTIL) and Vodafone was to install a telecommunications mast at Earby Cricket Club, on William Street.

The plans comprised installing a 17.5 metre monopole supporting three antennas and one transmission dish, three equipment cabinets and an 1.8 metre palisade fence.

Jennie Hann, the agent representing the applicant, said the mast would provide a high quality 2G, 3G and 4G service for mobile devices.

She said: "It's not just about calls and texts, but this mast would mean high quality broadband for the town. Earby is in hotspot, and not approving this would mean social and economic benefits would be lost."

Local resident Roger Lomax, who lives on nearby Riverside Terrace, said the mast would severely affect house prices in the area, and he noted that 60 of the 148 new houses planned for the former Brook Shed site would fall within the Earby conservation area.

"While I've got every sympathy about your house prices, it's quite clear the effect on house prices is not a material consideration for refusal," said Neil Watson, Pendle's planning and building manager.

But Mr Watson did acknowledged that "the benefits of the development don't outweigh the impact on the heritage asset."

Committee members agreed, as Earby councillor Rosemary Carroll said: "I understand that we need better coverage in Earby, but this mast would be right next to a conservation area and only metres from future development."

"It's far too close to the houses," added Cllr Morris Horsfield. "I don't think enough thought has been put into it."

The committee refused the plans on the basis the mast would result in unacceptable harm to the setting and significance of the Earby conservation area, which outweighed the benefits of the proposed development.