ENVIRONMENTAL charity Friends of the Dales has opposed resubmitted plans to site a communications mast at Middlesmoor Pasture, Kettlewell.

The National Trust, which owns the site, has already strongly objected to the proposed scheme by Cornerstone which will see a 25-metre high lattice mast constructed close to a footpath with radio antenna, four dishes, housing for radio equipment and an electrical generator.

In its submissions to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, which will determine the application, Friends of the Dales says it supports the objections of the National Trust, in that noise from the generator will impact on users of the right of way in the remote moorland area to the detriment of the peace and tranquillity of the area.

The charity urges the national park authority to refuse the application 'due to the significant impact on the prime purposes of the national park – conservation of landscape quality and recreational use.'

Cornerstone says the proposal is part of the Government backed Shared Rural Network scheme - a collaboration between mobile networks 02, Vodafone and Three to improve 4G coverage for people living, working and travelling in rural areas which have little to no mobile coverage.

The Dales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club, which flies from various hills in and around the Dales, says it welcomes improved communications in the area.