An appeal has been lodged over plans for a new mobile phone mast in Harrogate.
The proposal by EE Limited would place telecommunications equipment on council-owned land at Almsford Close, next to Oatlands Junior School and land used by Pannal Ash Junior Football Club.
North Yorkshire Council previously refused planning permission for a 30-metre lattice tower at the site in August 2025.
That proposal included six antennas, two satellite dishes, equipment cabinets and security fencing. EE has now appealed that decision.
Following the refusal, the company also submitted a revised application for a shorter, 25-metre monopole mast at the same location.
This updated proposal included similar equipment and fencing but was also refused by the council.
A second appeal for that scheme officially began on 16th December 2025.
Both appeals will now be decided by the Planning Inspectorate, rather than the local council.
The cases will be considered using a written process, meaning there will be no public hearing.
A spokesperson for Harrogate Town Council said:
"We recognise the need for improved mobile coverage in areas of Harrogate, but we believe masts must be installed in suitable locations.
"This valued green space, gifted to the town as a community facility, is not appropriate for such industrial infrastructure."
In letters sent to residents, North Yorkshire Council confirmed that all comments previously submitted during the planning process have been passed on to the Planning Inspectorate and to EE.
Helen Whitby, Senior Planning Assistant at North Yorkshire Council, said:
“The appeal will be determined on the basis of written representations.”
She added that all representations received will be considered by the appointed Inspector when making a decision.
Some local residents have raised concerns about the proposed mast being close to Oatlands Junior School and the junior football club, both of which are used regularly by children.
EE has said the mast is needed to improve mobile phone coverage in the area and that the equipment would operate within accepted safety limits for public exposure.
The land is owned by North Yorkshire Council, and under the proposal EE would install and maintain the equipment on the site.
The final decision on both appeals now rests with the Planning Inspectorate.
Members of the public can submit comments or update previous representations via the Planning Inspectorate website: https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Comments on the most recent appeal must be received by 23rd January 2026.
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