MOBILE phone company EE has won an appeal against a council’s decision to refuse plans for a new mast next to a leisure centre.

The network provider will now be able to place a 20-metre-high structure on Holt Street in Wrexham, next to Waterworld Leisure Centre, after receiving permission from a planning inspector.

The firm said it was necessary in order to boost 3G and 4G coverage in the town centre with an existing mast on the roof of Wrexham Police Station set to be removed ahead of the building’s demolition.

However, Wrexham Council refused the plans in October as it said it would have a negative impact on the appearance of land near the Tesco roundabout.

That verdict has been overturned by Clive Nield, who was appointed to consider the appeal by the Welsh Government.

In a report, he said the mast would not look out of place.

He said: “There is no dispute that a new telecommunications installation is needed in the area to replace part of the coverage provided by the present installation on the top of the nearby police headquarters building, which is to be demolished in the near future.

“The most significant nearby building is the Waterworld leisure centre on the land behind the proposed mast location.

“Even though it is far enough away to be seen as a separate structure, in many views it would provide a backdrop for the proposed mast, which would not appear out of keeping.

“Whilst the leisure centre would not feature in views of the mast from other directions, the wider commercial character of other nearby buildings, the openness of the area and the vertical lines of the regular streetlights would also provide a reasonable street-scene for such a mast.

“As a result, my conclusion is that any visual harm would be limited.”

When the company first 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.

Acton Community Council raised concerns about possible health impacts from the structure, but Mr Nield concluded the scheme would comply with safety guidelines.