PLANS for a Vodafone 5G mast in Stretford were given the go-ahead earlier this week.

Vodafone is putting up the 20-metre mast on a new site on the corner of Chester Road and Davyhulme Road East, to replace a current site 100 metres down the road.

The mast is a 'permitted development', meaning planning permission is not needed, but Trafford Council needed to give its prior approval to certain details.

It did so on Tuesday, despite opposition from businesses including an ultrasound clinic and a newsagent, which expressed concerns about the mast's safety.

An email from Ultrasound Direct on Davyhulme Road East to the council said: "We are emailing to let you know we are unhappy and concerned with the application.

"We are a medical provider for ultrasound dealing with pregnant or vulnerable people.

"We are also concerned for our team, who work in the office over a seven-day period."

In another email to the council, the owner of Stretford News on the same road said: "I disapprove [of the mast], as it will be harmful for my business and customers."

A resident also emailed to suggest the mast's appearance might 'spoil the street decor'.

To ease the concerns of businesses and residents, Vodafone included several supporting documents in its application, including one document titled 'Allaying Health Concerns Regarding 5G and Exposure to Radio Waves'.

It also sent letters to Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green, councillors and nearby St Ann's RC Primary School and Victoria Park Junior School, but got no responses.

Arguing the case for the mast, Vodafone pointed to the need to maintain and improve coverage for customers, especially during a pandemic.

It said: "As part of Vodafone's continued network improvement program, there is a specific requirement for a replacement installation at this location to provide equivalent and improved 2G, 3G and 4G coverage, ensuring this area of Stretford maintains access to the latest technologies.

"The operator needs to find a replacement site to ensure the latest technologies including future 5G can be provided in this area of Stretford."

It later added: "The Covid-19 pandemic has created unparalleled demand and pressure on the operator's network while people try to keep life and the economy moving through isolation and containment measures, with people working from home or remotely.

"This is a perfect example of why the operator must continue with its rollout as streamlined as is possible."

Trafford Council was satisfied with Vodafone's argument, giving prior approval to the application as long as certain conditions to do with the mast's appearance are met.