PLANS to roll-out wireless broadband across the borough were dealt a major blow on Tuesday night after the planning committee rejected applications for five of the necessary masts in North Swindon.

Swindon Borough Council have signed a deal with UKB Networks to provide superfast broadband for 20,000 homes currently without the service.

However, while there is support in rural areas many residents in North Swindon have opposed the scheme, which is being funded in part by £2 million of public money, saying fibre is the only real solution.

They have also opposed the 15 metre high masts needed to send the wireless signal to houses, believing them to be obtrusive.

UKB say they have worked with planners and these are the only sites available to ensure all residents can receive a signal.

However, the planning committee rejected all five of the masts in North Swindon, despite three being recommended for approval, meaning the scheme cannot currently progress.

It means if the company wants to move forward with the scheme it will have to find alternative sites.

Local resident and Haydon Wick Parish Councillor Damon Bower spoke at the meeting against the plans.

After the meeting, he said: “I’m absolute ecstatic. It’s the result we wanted. We thought two would get rejected but to get all five refused is a real plus.

“The residents came out in strength tonight to make their voices known as did the parish council. We want to protect our community and residents.”

A number of ward councillors for the affected wards came out to speak against the masts, despite it being put forward by their own administration.

Councillor Toby Elliott (Con, Priory Vale), who is also the cabinet member for strategic planning, said the outcome represented the feelings of many residents.

He said: “Tonight was not about the scheme, it was about the inappropriate siting of the masts. I am thrilled we saw democracy in action.

“Local people did not ask for them in these locations and did not want them in these locations so the fully elected planning committee have thrown them out.

“We’ll wait to see what UKB do next but my door is always open to discuss appropriate siting.”

Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, Nicholas James, the CEO of UKB Networks, said he would be happy to work with planners to find solutions to the problems.

Councillor Mary Martin (Con, Shaw) is the cabinet member responsible for wireless broadband in Swindon and said she did not think the decision signalled the end of the plans.

“From a personal point of view I am disappointed the committee did not go with the officer’s recommendations,” she said.

“However, like with all planning applications this is something UKB will need to consider what to do next.

“The number of actual objections to the masts were relatively small numbers. We have had as many emails in support of the proposals as we did against.

“There has been nothing from UKB to suggest this will be the end of the scheme, absolutely nothing.”

Despite the setback, UKB said it would push ahead with the rollout for the 13,000 homes outside North Swindon and would continue to work to find a solution.

Will Harnden, chief marketing officer, said: "We are pleased that the rest of the borough is more receptive to superfast broadband and we are really encouraged by the numerous messages of support we have had over the past few days. We intend to push ahead as quickly as possible to bring superfast broadband to the 13,000 homes in the scheme outside North Swindon. 

"We remain committed to finding a mutually acceptable solution to providing superfast broadband in North Swindon and will be having further engagements with the ward councillors and residents in the coming days and weeks to find an amicable solution to this issue.”