Plans for a new 20-metre 5G mast in Harrow were approved, despite some concerns around its height and the impact this could have on nearby properties.

Harrow Council’s planning committee gave the green light to the structure in Elizabeth Gardens, Stanmore.

It came despite objections from some neighbouring residents, as well as two Conservative councillors on the committee, who criticised the size of the mast.

Cllr Marilyn Ashton, deputy leader of Harrow Conservatives, said: “I don’t have a problem with this technology – we all use our phones and we all want to be connected in this day and age.

“But this particular site is in a built-up, residential area with people living in reasonably close proximity to this huge installation.

“This is not an appropriate site. If I lived nearby, I’d be concerned, and rightly so.”

She was supported by Cllr Anjana Patel, who pointed out several similar applications in the borough had been refused at this stage, while their colleague, Cllr Christopher Baxter, abstained on the issue.

The Labour members of the committee all supported planning officers’ recommendations that the application be approved.

They noted 20 metres is the minimum height to allow for 5G services and “the limited visual intrusion this causes would be significantly outweighed by the public benefit of 5G provision in the area”.