A 25 METRE telephone mast may be part of the Lake District skyline in the near future - as a part of a project to 'allow improved connectivity' in rural areas.

A planning application was submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority for land near Gatesgarth Farm, Buttermere, Cockermouth to create a new emergency services (EAS) and shared rural network (SRN) mast with associated infrastructure.

The mast will be located on agricultural land at Gatesgarth Farm, between the Honister Pass and Buttermere, in an area that is regarded by many as a prime Lake District beauty spot.

Gillian Consulting made the application with Mitie on behalf of EE Ltd to support coverage improvement in rural areas as part of the overall emergency service network project and the SRN project.

A statement prepared by Mitie supporting the application say that the site has already been accepted as being 'generally acceptable' by the planning authority earlier this year.

It is understood that EE Ltd has met with the planning committee twice in the past year and that the mast's height will not break permitted development rules that are imposed on the area by the national park authority.

It said: "EE Ltd wrote to the Park Authority in early Summer and met with the Park’s panning department in late July and again in September to discuss the on-site options. Subject to final design the location chosen was agreed to be generally acceptable.

"The siting and appearance of the proposal is considered the best possible to improve 4G connectivity across the widest area in the EAS and SRN locality. For this reason, it is hoped that the planning authority can support the application."

The mast is said to be needed by the broadband operater as part of a wider government scheme to improve connectivity in rural areas.