A CONTROVERSIAL 15-metre high telecommunications pole to improve communications for emergency services in Cumbria is set to be erected in the Lake District.

A Home Office application submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) for permission to erect the pole and associated generator between Shap and Haweswater has been approved, despite objections from Friends of the Lake District, Shap Parish Council and Mardale Commoners Association.

All highlighted the noise which could be given off by the proposals as a reason to turn down the plans.

The pole is set to be installed in the National Park with the aim of eliminating so-called 'not spots' for mobile communications to benefit 999 services in the county.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We are responsible for the delivery of an upgraded blue light service known as the Emergency Services Network across the country.

"This will replace the previous Airwave system, which now lacks the technical capability for the three emergency services in the county."

They added: “'Not spots' are being picked up by the Home Office in a programme known as the Extended Area Services project.

"These new sites only provide coverage for the emergency services and do not offer commercial coverage.”

Paul Turner, who is a county councillor and a retired policeman, seconded approval of the proposals.

He said: “It’s pleasing to see that another mast has been approved.

“It's essential that the emergency services are given the tools to do their job.

"Careful consideration was given to comments and objections made by the public, as they always are in planning applications.

"It could soon be the end of so-called 'not spots' in the county."