A plan to erect a 30m communications mast overlooking Haweswater has sparked concern among local residents.
EE Limited has submitted the proposal to the Lake District National Park Authority saying that they want to put the mast on land at Lad Crags.
Among the objectors is Janet Shepherd, of Burnbanks, Bampton. She says there will be a loss of visual amenity within Mardale and it will affect the nature and character of the valley.
“I also see this as, yet again, the ‘thin end of the wedge’ to increased industrialisation motivated largely by profit rather than the tenuous arguments of so-called progress or safety,” she said.
In addition, there will be a loss of unspoiled views from all aspects of the valley and surrounding hills and it will have an adverse impact on a National Park and World Heritage site, says Ms Shepherd.
In her representation to the planning authority, Ms Shepherd adds: “The mast would be visible from all sides and aspects of the lake and surrounding hillsides. This is an (otherwise) wild remote pristine and historic valley.”
A statement accompanying the application says: “The Home Office is leading a cross-government programme to deliver the new Emergency Services Network (ESN) critical communications system.
“This will replace the current Airwave service used by the emergency services in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) and transform how they operate. ESN will enable fast, safe and secure voice, video and data across the 4G network and give first responders immediate access to life-saving data, images and information on the frontline.”
