MOBILE phone company EE has launched an appeal against a council’s decision to refuse plans for a new mast. It comes amid fears the network provider will not be able to provide sufficient coverage unless proposals for the 20-metre-high structure on Holt Street in Wrexham are given the go ahead. The firm originally submitted a planning application to Wrexham Council in August in order to boost 3G and 4G coverage in the town centre. It said the mast was needed to replace an existing one located on the roof of Wrexham Police Station, which is set to be demolished and replaced with a Lidl supermarket. However, the local authority refused the plans in October as it said it would have a negative impact on the appearance of land to the front of Waterworld leisure centre. EE has now filed an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate to try and have the decision overturned. Outlining the company’s grounds of appeal, chartered town planner Carolyn Wilson said: “In order to maintain the required level of network coverage for this area, as expected by their customers, the appellant requires an alternative site for a suitable design of replacement equipment. “Given the very high nature of the existing rooftop base station, it has not been possible to find another rooftop within the target coverage area of an equivalent height to replicate the existing coverage. “Whilst a number of streets in the target coverage area could be considered, the nature of the location on Holt Street at this roundabout which connects a number of main transport corridors through the area, containing various items of street furniture for assimilation and the large scaled leisure centre building as a backdrop was considered the most appropriate location for such a design of mast.” When the company sought advice on the proposals from the council, it was advised the roof of Ty Pawb would be the preferred location for the new mast. In the business plan for the arts hub, it was estimated that the move would generate £15,000 a year towards its running costs. However, in its appeal EE claimed the authority would not agree to legal terms for the mast to be put on the former People’s Market building. Ms Wilson said: “The council’s response acknowledged the need for the replacement coverage for that to be removed from the rooftop of the police HQ building, but were of the opinion that the discounted site at the Peoples Market would be preferable as this would be less visually intrusive than a free standing structure. “The appellant’s design, access and supporting statement outlines the response to this, and in summary confirms that the council would not agree terms for the People’s Market building. “Whilst the appellant could now pursue the council’s site via the code, this is a lengthy process involving the land tribunal and given the need to remove the equipment from the police HQ in the near future in accordance with the notice served under the terms of the lease by the landlord, replacement coverage is required in the shorter rather than longer term.” The appeal will be considered by an inspector appoint by the Welsh Government at a future date.