A TELECOMS firm is continuing its fight to build a phone mast less than 100 metres away from an existing one in Houston after council chiefs refused its request.

CK Hutchison Networks – which operates Three – has appealed to the Scottish Government after failing to secure permission from Renfrewshire Council to erect the 20m-high 5G mast in Magnus Road.

Villagers staged a protest over the plans last year, highlighting it is a highly-populated residential area and there is already a 4G mast around 70m away, which is considered an “eyesore.”

Councillor Alison Dowling, who represents Houston, hopes the appeal is rejected.

The Labour politician added: “It’s really disappointing they have chosen to go down this route and I think the original decision by the council should be upheld.

“There is already a 20-metre-high mast in Magnus Road which sprung up almost overnight, despite concerns from residents. The shock was palpable for people and some cannot look out their own windows without seeing it.”

A reporter is set to carry out a site visit soon and has spoken to a number of people who objected to the original application.

A spokesman for Three said 5G rollout and improvements to the 4G network are “vital” for residents and businesses in Houston.

He added: “We want to offer the community a reliable network experience and this site will be critical to making that happen.

“Masts need to be situated where people will be using the service and in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage. Masts also need to be tall enough to transmit over nearby buildings and trees.

“Much of the original opposition to the mast came from its proximity to another mast, which our customers are unable to use to connect to our network.

“We hope the appeal will help us to restate our reasoning for the position.”